ON THE OUTS - READILY OUTSTRETCH

READILY OUTSTRETCH


Early in our existence we learned to trust the outstretched hand. Beginning with a firm grip on our Mother's outstretched finger our trust grew with the outstretched hand that we tightly held onto as we took our first few tippy-toed steps.  It was an outstretched hand that steadied us on our first bicycle without training wheels. As sportmoms we regularly observe the outstretched hand on the fields and courts of athletics as fallen players are assisted to their feet by the outstretched hand of a fellow player or even an opponent.  

It takes unbridled trust to receive an outstretched hand, but it takes unwavering awareness and confidence to give one.  The first step in reaching out to help another is recognizing where the help is needed.  Our purpose-filled schedules can easily cloud our awareness of needs right around us.  

"Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones come daily."  Ivy Baker Priest, treasurer of the United States from 1953 to 1961  

In order to "readily outstretch" our hand to others, we must not only be aware of present needs but we also need an ample portion of confidence to know how to meet them.  That confidence is gained through our relationship with the One who readily offers His outstretched hand to us just as He did to the chosen people of Israel.  

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.  Deuteronomy 5:15a NIV  

Just as trust in the outstretched hand of another is required in order for help to be given, we must reach for the hand of God trusting Him to guide us to the places of need and show us how to extend an outstretched hand.   

                                                    TRUST CHRIST FOR THE EXAMPLE
                                                    TRUST THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE COURAGE 
                                                    TRUST GOD FOR THE OUTCOME  

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time...
 I Peter 5:6 KJV

As we hold His mighty hand, we will know when, understand how and have the courage to READILY OUTSTRETCH our hand to others.   

Blessings...as you trust God with an outstretched hand, daily! 

©2011 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

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