Stretched Thin

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will.  Then you will received all that He has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

God asks us to do many things during the course of our life.  Many of those things we take for granted and do without thinking twice.  We may not even realize that God is behind our actions and leading us.  Some of us may cruz through life without wanting more and without seeking His will for us and stay content right were we are forever.  We might ignore the call to go deeper and find "good" excuses to stay put.  Maybe choosing a certain direction will cause hurt or change that we aren't ready for.  If we are God's children then He is always pursuing us.  He doesn't give up on His plans for us and we shouldn't either.  God wants us to grow closer to him through faith and the the only way we can do that is to grow our faith.  Growing our faith takes time and a little stretching.  But that stretching can't take place if we aren't willing to move.  If we aren't willing to let God stretch us then we will stay right where we are and most likely grow further away from God.  

What has God given you?  How has he blessed you and what has he entrusted in your care?  When we do well with little God will give us more.  If we are faithful with little things we will be faithful with large ones but if we are dishonest with little things we won't be honest with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10).  This is how God pursues our faith and nudges us to grow daily.  If we are responsible we are given a little, as it stretches us we grow, and then we are given a little more.  That little more might be more responsibility, a promotion, a new baby, a bigger house, a raise in pay, but that little more can also bring on hardship, the death of a loved one, an illness, a change in a relationship, a crisis.  Whatever God gives us, where ever He leads us, however He stretches us, He enables us to handle it.  It isn't easy!  God will give us things and put us in places where we would fail if we didn't seek Him and trust in Him.  These greater responsibilities aren't always beautiful prizes that the world is lined up to receive, but the reward that comes from being stretched by God is closeness to Him.  God wants us close to Him and He will be so faithful to enable our success in any situation we face.  He will give us strength and wisdom, mercy and grace to make it out of any circumstance!  Amen!!

So remember, next time you feel like you are being stretched too thin, aside from your crazy busy schedule.  Evaluate what it is God is trying to teach you.  Be confident that if you trust God, He will give you what you need to succeed.  Allow yourself to depend on God and grow your faith in Him.  Let yourself grow closer to God and find fulfillment in life! 

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.

1 Timothy 1:12