PRACTICE !

Our spry, energetic friend, Dorris, had a disabling stroke. At age 68, it was unexpected and shocking to those of us who worked with her at the library. She was a widow, so independent, so helpful to everyone, so devoted to serving others in the love Jesus provided.

When we went to visit Dorris in the hospital, we found that she was unable to speak so that she could be understood. How frustrating for her it was! She was unable to walk and could no longer feed herself. She was also unable to read a book - her eyes wouldn’t focus. We prayed, knowing that our friend’s life had changed forever.

Then we began hearing reports from others who visited her. We heard how hard she was working in rehabilitation to regain muscle strength - practicing daily. A speech therapist was helping her practice her speech. We even heard that, once at home, she began practicing the use of her muscles by using a rowing machine.

A year passed. Dorris is again walking, driving, reading and volunteering at the library. A miracle we say. Yes, God certainly restored her. Dorris also did her part - practicing those things she needed to do.

In which areas should you be practicing in order to further develop your spiritual muscles of servanthood? Go ahead . . . you can do it!

Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge and knowledge with self control, self control with steadfastness and steadfastness with godliness and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection with love. II Peter 1:5

Heavenly Father, please help me practice all that is needed in order that I may serve You better. In Jesus’ name. Amen.