Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Phil. 3:13-14
Stretching helps prevent injuries and increase flexibility in physical exercise. To stretch is to expand or extend something to a greater size or length. In our spiritual walk, stretching increases our effectiveness and fruitfulness. Similarly, God stretches us spiritually to assist our growth and our reach for His best.
The Lord stretches us when He leads us to do something our flesh opposes; or not to do something our flesh does desire. He might lead us to express a love that is not reciprocated or forgive an offender. God might close a door we wanted opened. We learn to press through our physical weaknesses and our inabilities. As we take a step in obedience, we experience His enabling power.
The Lord leads us to press through our limitations so we can depend on Him alone and learn to trust Him at additional levels. He challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and draws us closer to Him through circumstances. God’s purpose is our transformation into the image of Jesus, and He works all things together for that to be done, from glory to glory!