Strength in the S t r e t c h

Have you ever experienced ‘one of those days’ when you felt that the challenge ahead seemed too much to handle or bear for your body, soul (mind, will and emotions), and/or spirit? Or if you are anything like me, those sort of days extended over months, even years?

In retrospect, I appreciate that those were my days (be it months or years) of growing and strengthening – the time of and for stretching. Have you noticed that when you finally make up your mind that you want to grow in patience, you are suddenly standing in longer queues, waiting longer for an urgent report, your leader is stuck in indecisiveness, your staff member makes many mistakes…then you decide that you want to mature in love for others, you come across the most unlovable people. Ouch, those stretches hurt! Stretching requires us to push beyond our normal level of comfort.

Consider athletes – they know the value of the stretch. Stretching properly is said to increase and improve motion in your joints, increase blood flow and decrease feelings of stiffness in this way increasing athletic performance and lowering the risk of tendon or muscle tears. It seems ironical that stretching reduces tears. I think of stretching as the act of doing something that you know is good for you although it scares you. Yet stretching physically is the most natural thing for humans and animals to do – take a moment to contemplate what happens when we yawn, eat, walk, shake hands…

When we stretch, we make room for enlargement in personal growth, provision, transformation, new people, advanced levels. There is an element of impossibility. You attempt new things – your faith grows. A pregnant woman’s stomach has to stretch out and grow in order for the gift inside of her to develop and just before she gives birth, her cervix expands to allow new life to be born. The stretch is worth it! You never know what your capacity is or what fresh seasons are about to be birthed until you are stretched.

But just how can you stretch? Try these. Stretch beyond limited thinking. Stretch beyond fear. Stretch beyond worry. Stretch beyond the walls those negative voices have erected in your mind. Yes, negativity can actually boost your stretch. I am reminded of the story of the little boy whose Science teacher told him that he is useless in the subject. That little boy used those negative words to propel him into achieving excellent results in Science. Every experience that you have may you used to stagnate or advance you or those around you. The choice of the outcome is ultimately yours.

How have you been stretched as a businessperson, leader, employee, spouse, parent, child and what coping mechanisms helped you during the times of your stretching?

James 1:2-5: My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way; knowing that the testing (stretching) of your faith produces perseverance. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, not lacking anything.

Prayer:

Thank You, Father God for the stretching times in my life. Please give me the patience, strength for and in the stretch and peace to endure and overcome in those intensely challenging moments. I pray for the birthing of new ideas, new experiences, stronger relationships and strengthened businesses. I trust you through these refining processes. Amen.