“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
Our April study is entitled, “Stretching Ourselves…Into Our World.” It’s important to include stretching into our physical exercise program. You may say, “I don’t have the time or desire to exercise.” If you are sitting for hours at a job or tend to be a “couch potato,” you may want to rethink your need for exercise. You may even wonder how you could fit that into your busy life as a wife and mother. Whatever the case, you still need to pause and stretch even if it’s five minutes here and there each day.
As we look at our verses, we see stretching from a spiritual perspective. We don’t see just a simple stretch. We see exertion, pushing past our comfort zone when necessary. There may be some pain involved, but we must endure it to reach our heavenly goal. Sometimes our vision becomes blurred as we strive to be obedient to God’s last command. If we put blinders on and can only see the souls in our community, we will miss the fact there is a whole world beyond it.
We wear glasses to correct our physical vision. We need the Holy Spirit to adjust our spiritual ones. When the latter is done, it will be easier to stretch our vision.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for FWBIM office employees as they prepare for the WMO, April 29.
