Trust Him in the Stretching

Periodically I have decompression done on both my neck and back to stretch out my vertebrae and to keep it mobile and functioning as it was designed. Years of sitting twisted, working in people's mouths has caused some issues in my spine, so occasional stretching and massage is very helpful.

It's the same with our lives. As the influences of the world and the pressures of life begin to shape, mold, and twist our thinking, God is faithful to stretch us and keep us pliable. It may be things He's calling you to do that are way beyond your abilities, or trials that cause you to stretch your faith. Either way, as we yield to His stretching process, we will experience growth and increased trust in God.

I was also thinking about the massages I get at the same appointment. I always tell the therapist not to worry about causing pain by working too deep into the muscle. I've learned that the deeper the pressure the more tension is released. It may be more uncomfortable during the treatment, but the results will be greater and longer lasting. If life is only filled with gentle pats and unstretched spiritual muscles, you'll become so stiff that you'll no longer be flexible for the Lord's work.

Don't get angry with God when things aren't going as well as you wish or He's taking you deeper than your faith has ever gone. He has a plan and if you will trust Him, stand strong in your faith, pray His Word, and continue to praise and worship Him through the process you'll come out shaped, molded, strengthened, secure, unshakable, and usable. Best of all you'll come out of the test with a testimony of His goodness, faithfulness, and love! You really can't lose trusting Him! James 1:12 (KJV) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:2-4 (NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Isaiah 54:2&10 (NKJV) “Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.