New Muscles

My life is very interesting in a non-interesting sort of way. When I was 20, I never imagined that I would live the life I now live. For example, I had no idea I'd be on the west coast, that I'd be trying to realize a dream of being a writer, and that I could dig deeper in to God's Word.  Digging deeper in to God's word is a result of knowing that it's good for me, but also because life throws curve balls.  A curve ball represents a significant deviation from a prescribed path. The only way I know how to handle curve balls with any degree of success is with God and His Word.

I've started running on a more consistent basis this year and noticed that I've developed some new muscles - I like this and will continue to run.  In a similar vein, I've attempted to spend more time reading and meditating on God's Word and I've noticed that new muscles are being developed:

• Pray - It becomes easier to pray when you spend time with God.
• Trust - I've learned to worry less, believe it or not. This leads to having a calmer demeanor, because so many things are out of my control.
• Grace - Since I'm a recipient of Gods grace, in my daily life I try to extend this grace to those I come in contact with.
• Mercy - We all need mercy, especially when it's least expected.
• Empathy - I understand many things intellectually, but having not walked in someone's shoes does not mean I can't empathize with their circumstances. With God's help this becomes easier over time.
• Self Control - This one is hard for me; but God usually brings a verse or thought to my mind that stops me from saying or doing what I want. Yet some things have to be said - but I have not mastered the art of tact yet - a muscle waiting to be developed.
• Acceptance - Of myself, my talents, my features. God did not make any mistakes when He made me.
• Contentment - This one is tricky; we're all striving to be at the next level. To be content is to be satisfied with what you have right now;  to stop striving (temporarily) and instead to be grateful.

These are just some of the muscles that I've noticed, and I'm sure there's more. The thing about muscles is that they are part of our bodies but if we don't use them they are not developed. In a similar vein, we all have the capacity to exhibit new muscles but they will only show if we take the time to develop them.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4

What new muscles are you developing? Are you stagnant, saturated or growing?