Scripture
For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. -2 Corinthians 4:11
Let's face it, Beloved, in this life we are going to face storms of every kind as we work out our soul's salvation with fear and trembling. We've been told that what we do in the midst is equally as important as getting through them. Please also consider why God allows the difficult seasons and people to enter our lives also. I remember when it was time for me to get a new car. That entire process was laborious to me as it felt like a fight every step of the way. One situation after the other arose right up to the day to purchase the car. After it was over, I asked the Lord why the particular journey was so hard. He revealed that He was exposing in me where and who I was putting my trust in. It was not Him. No one is more skilled in showing me myself than Him. In His lovingkindness He used that experience to correct and teach me. I call that moment a stretching lesson.
Stretching lessons will pull you out of your comfort zone and expose what is in you. When we are being stretched by God He expands our capacity, faith, endurance through challenging, uncomfortable situations. He doesn't always orchestrate them, but He most certainly allows them. He does this to prepare us for His greater purpose, more of His presence, and growth and maturity. Think of a stretching lesson as working out. The more we work and stretch our muscles, the stronger they become. The key to stretching lessons with God is to discern what He's doing and follow His leading. This means that trust and relationship has already been built in Him. We've allowed the Holy Spirit to renew our minds about difficult situations. As hard as things can become, they are not punishments, but opportunities for increased faith and spiritual maturity. Beloved, be engage and be a willing participant in your stretching lessons.
Take a moment and think of the uncomfortable situations and perhaps difficult people in your life. What has been your language about these things? What have you been thinking about them? Have they caused you to pray more or lament? Will you consider Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." ? Also consider that these momentary afflictions worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). God wastes nothing, not even the situations in our lives because every moment is in His hands. Beloved, it's ok, you're being stretched.
Prayer
Father, thank you for using every moment in our lives to make us more like you. We submit to your stretching so that your glory will be revealed in our lives. Amen
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