I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
The Call to Reach Higher
As we walk in our faith, we are called to reach higher than we think we can. This call is not about personal ambition alone; it’s about rising to the purpose God has for our lives. When we endeavor to fulfill His calling, we learn that our abilities can stretch beyond our imagination. God strengthens us for the tasks ahead, encouraging us to reach for greatness, not just for ourselves, but for His glory and the good of those around us. We must constantly remind ourselves that embracing this divine calling, allows us to extend our hands and hearts to a world that desperately needs what we have to give.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. – Ephesians 3:20
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3
As Christians, we’re not only called to reach our own lives but also to extend our hands toward others. Reaching out in love, compassion, and kindness can make a world of difference. When we help others, we are embodying the essence of Jesus’ ministry on Earth. It can be through a simple act of kindness, sharing a smile, or offering a helping hand. We can impact lives by testing the boundaries of our comfort zones, as God equips us to reach out to those who are struggling, lonely, or in need.
Matthew 25:40
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? – 1 John 3:17
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
In striving for a deeper relationship with God, we must also reach for wisdom. The Scriptures provide guidance, knowledge, and insight that can help shape our decisions. Wisdom, as a divine gift, encourages us to go beyond our understanding, helping us to see situations through God’s perspective. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we allow His wisdom to transform our hearts and minds, leading to fruitful living that benefits not just ourselves but the entire community around us.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5
Proverbs 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. – Proverbs 4:7
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6
Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. – Colossians 1:9
Proverbs 3:13
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. – Proverbs 3:13
Reaching for spiritual growth is an important part of our walk with God. Just as we strive for physical and emotional well-being, we must also intentionally seek to grow in our faith. This involves reading the Bible, praying, serving, and connecting with other believers. It might be challenging at times, but we can remember that spiritual growth is a gradual journey where God continuously shapes us into His image. As we stretch ourselves to grow closer to Him, we begin to bear fruit that blesses our lives and those of others.
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18
Hebrews 5:12
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! – Hebrews 5:12
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. – 1 Peter 2:2
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
When we think about reaching out, prayer is one of the most powerful ways to do so. It not only connects us to God but also allows us to intercede for others. We are called to lift up our friends, family, and even strangers in prayer. By reaching out in prayer, we demonstrate our love and concern for those around us and invite God into their situations. Prayerful outreach creates a ripple effect that can profoundly impact lives and the world beyond ourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray continually. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6
Matthew 18:19
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. – Matthew 18:19
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2
As we seek to reach outward to others, it is just as important to reach inward for self-reflection and personal growth. Reflection allows us to examine our hearts and motivations while making sure we are aligned with God’s will. Through meditation, journaling, or simply spending quiet time with God, we can discern where we need to grow and change. Self-reflection helps guide our actions, leading us to reach for integrity, authenticity, and alignment with Christ in all we do.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you fail to meet the test! – 2 Corinthians 13:5
Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. – Lamentations 3:40
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the call to reach, let us remember that this extends not only to our personal goals but also in how we engage with others. Reaching upward to God allows us to understand His will for our lives. Reaching out to others fosters community and love. As we reach for wisdom, spiritual growth, prayer, and self-reflection, we open ourselves up to God’s transformative power. It’s an exciting and rewarding path that leads us not only to support ourselves but also enrich the lives of those around us.
We are invited to explore God’s purposes for us, like the verses about fulfilling God’s purpose or the verses centered on fulfilling your dreams. These guides can help strengthen us as we take steps to reach out in love and faith.
Let’s take these words to heart and allow our lives to reflect God’s love in all our endeavors.