Sunday, October 12, 2014

One Stretch at a Time

I absolutely love yoga!  Not everyone enjoys the exercises involved in yoga.  My stress seems to disappear with each stretch.  Deep breathing pushes all the worries, pain and sorrows out.  My mind clears and I feel refreshed for a moment in time.  The body reaps benefit as well; improved agility, increased flexibility and muscle tone.  These benefits lead to better posture, healthy hearts, relaxation and focused breathing. 

Yoga does not require one to be able to touch toes or do the splits; only a willing body, deep breathing and time.  With each passing session, the body adjusts, strengthens and increases level of stretching.  The key is being careful to not exceed your stretching ability too much at one time.  Slow progression allows the body to adjust in a timely manner and prevents injury.  Your body knows the limits. . .listen to it!

Should you fail to listen to your body, stretching beyond ability will cause pain, injury and immobility.  The days to follow bring displeasure.  The experience may even cause you to swear off yoga for life.  Therefore, your body will never adjust or reach its abilities. 

Our bodies have a spiritual side which requires yoga as well.  Stretching outside your comfort zone will strengthen faith as you rely on God to see you through each movement.  The experience may not be enjoyable, but pushing through will always result in maturation, increased peace and fulfillment of purpose.  Your example along the way will touch numerous lives.  God does not ask for more than His grace can cover over you.  He will not place you in a situation beyond your spiritual limits.  He only asks for a willing soul, calm spirit and time.  Everyone is different, but ALL have a plan and purpose for life!  One may be at the level of flexibility to begin a ministry, build a church, teach a group of children, spread the Gospel in the workplace, visit the sick, pray over a troubled friend, etc.  The key is listening to our Guide and knowing our spiritual limit to avoid stretching too far. 

Failing to listen will result in spiritual damage, unfulfilled plans and disheartened people.  Stretching too far may even cause one to give up overall and quit trying to mature in Christ.  One may hide back in their comfort zone and lose faith. 

The only Way is to meditate on Truth and reach the Life He desired for you!  Wake up this morning and begin stretching immediately. . .see what the day will bring as you face the hours with flexibility, faith strengthened, peace and purpose.  Careful not to stretch too far. . .He will lead you further as your spirit adjusts and maturation proves ability to handle the situation given. 

 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:5-6

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Luke 2:40

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

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