Stretch... Relax and Breathe

Anyone who has ever seriously exercised will tell you that 'stretching' is a very important part of exercise. Stretching is not necessarily a pain-free event. Especially when your muscles are unused to the movements, and/or are cold from not being recently used. However, stretching is good for preventing injury, before and after a workout, and it allows muscles to grow and heal faster, and eventually stretching helps muscles to work more efficiently and effectively.

Have you noticed that God stretches us? Well He does. And just like with a physical stretching, it is not always pain-free. He puts us in situations that we are not used to being in, or where we are uncomfortable because it is outside of our zone of expertise. He asks us to be patient with people who push our buttons. He asks us to love those who may not necessarily be the most lovable. He asks us to host potluck dinners, home bible studies, summer-school sessions when we are not the most extroverted persons. He asks us to hold our tongues at times when we really, really want to say something. It can be really uncomfortable.
This could be growth for you, or this could be a healing moment for you, either way it's training for you. Your heart muscles might be unused to this sort of expression. Or, it could be cold from nonuse; hurt from misuse or abuse. God wants to use you more. So He trains your heart muscle, He stretches it, warms it up, and gives it a good work out. 

And just like with the physical stretching, this is preparation for growth, healing, and eventually usage (ministry). Those who work out will tell you the best way to deal with, and get the most from a stretch is to relax and breathe. Allow the stretching to accomplish its goal.
As God is stretching us, we can relax and breathe, understanding what His goals are for us. He wants us to grow, heal, and minister.  We cannot properly minister to others if we are not spiritually mature. We have to grow in order to be effective. We cannot properly minister for the Lord if we are hurting. It's very difficult to minister out of pain and hurt. God stretches us, and as we heal we find the strength in Him we need to share with others, and minister to others. 

How is God stretching you? Are you relaxed? Are you breathing? Are you allowing Him to work on your heart? Look at those uncomfortable situations in which you find yourself. See if God is stretching you. See if there is growth, healing, or ministry in the situation for you- from God. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.. Relax and breathe!

I love you, and I am praying for you.
~Pastor Erroyl
SALT