Stretch

There is a great need in the life of every person to be stretched. We can get so used to our way of life that we stop stretching ourselves. We can get to the point where we are no longer challenging ourselves. Think of it like a rubber band. When a rubber band is lying on a desk, there is nothing happening. But, once it is picked up and stretched, it can be useful. The same thing is true in our lives. We have great God-given potential to be used for valuable purposes in this life. Yet, if we never allow ourselves to be stretched, we can never realize our potential. We need to allow God to pick us up, stretch us, and release us.

Anyone who has ever done anything great for their family dared to be stretched. Anyone who ever dared to live a dream that God put in their heart was stretched. Anyone who has ever stepped out of their comfort zone for any reason has been stretched. Those stretching experiences are what continue to help us grow in life.

I want to challenge you to allow yourself to be stretched by God. Stretching is about building our faith. God desires to use our circumstances, trials we face, dreams He puts in our hearts, and other methods to stretch us (e.g., James 1:2-4; Nehemiah 1:1-11; Matthew 26:36-42; Genesis 6:1-22). Let me suggest some areas of life to stretch yourself.

Start with your relationship with God. Stretch yourself. Read the Bible for at least 10 minutes each day. Just read it. Then, add to the mix some prayer. Again, start with 10 minutes. Set the timer if you have to, but spend 10 minutes (or whatever number you choose) a day in prayer. These things will begin to stretch you spiritually. When you are stretched spiritually, your faith will grow.

Stretch yourself in your marriage. How long has it been since you’ve had a date night? Stretch yourself (especially if, like me, romance is difficult for you). When was the last time you served your spouse? How did you serve them? These questions will help you stretch yourself. As you stretch yourself in your marriage, you will begin to see new potential in your relationship unleashed.

Third, stretch yourself in your giving. Tithing is the first place to start here. Tithe means “tenth.” So, give ten percent of your income to your local church. Start there. But, if you’re already tithing and giving other offerings on top of that, stretch yourself by giving another $5 per week to your local church. Stretch yourself.

Finally, stretch yourself in your learning. Read a book. Listen to some podcasts. Read some instructional tutorials. Study a book or character of the Bible. Learn how to do something new. Stretch yourself.

I give you these starting places for where to stretch yourself to continue to grow. If you are still breathing, you have things to offer this world. God is not through with you yet. Don’t be like a limp rubber band sitting on a desk. Rather, allow God to take your life in His hands and stretch you. Our potential is found in being stretched. Fear not. With God’s help, stretch yourself.