Years ago, Kelli, one of my grand daughters, was in ballet. My wife and I, several times, have gone to the studio and watched her movements. She was really stretching a lot. I thought that some of the exercises would be hard to do and probably not feel real good doing them. But, I also know that doing them will prove beneficial in the future for her.

I think that many of us do things that we only feel comfortable in doing. After all, who wants to feel pain, etc. In the case of a dancer, for example, the results will be to give a beautiful performance.

I recently did some trimming on a tree in the back yard. It required my stretching out, holding the chain saw while standing on the ladder. The next day I felt the discomfort of using muscles not normally used throughout my body.

Stretching what we have is not only physically beneficial, but also spiritually and emotionally. One of the things that is done in senior citizen homes is focused exercise several times a week.. It is needed. You know the statement, "If you don't use it, you loose it". So we use what we have. We exercise the "faith muscle". We keep it in shape so that when we get into a difficult time or situation that tries our patience or when we are prone to be discouraged we can rely on the faith muscle. In that WAIT PERIOD, there is less pain and discomfort for we have kept that part of our soul in shape.

"They that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength..."

Those words in Isaiah 40:31 continue,"...they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Faith, and the exercise of it keeps is in shape and toned for the strenous ordeal of living.

Let's pray

Lord, bless this reader to stretch their faith IN a difficult situation much like the stretching of a rubber band. In that waiting receive strength from your hand. In part to them, your love,----your grace --- your strength in the name of Jesus.

Amen

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