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Have you thought about where God might be stretching you spiritually? Just as baseball fans rise during the 7th-inning to stretch their bodies, consider allowing God to stretch your spiritual muscles gently.
Consider Isaiah 42:3:
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.”
Isaiah 42:3, English Standard Version
Isaiah declares that God, a caring father, will not push you beyond your limits but seeks to mold you into a reflection of Jesus. His objective is not to break you down but to shape you with love and grace.
In moments when your faith feels stuck or tense, envision God delicately stretching your spiritual self. As you physically stretch, reflect on areas where you may be resistant to God’s transformative touch. Are there sins you cling to or areas you hesitate to surrender for growth?
God isn’t a harsh boss. He extends a tender invitation to embrace growth and flexibility. Just as physical stretches alleviate stiffness, allow God to exercise your faith and lead you toward renewed strength.
Consider the meaningful message of Isaiah 42 in light of Jesus’ tender care. Recognize that God’s actions are motivated by unwavering love and a desire for your spiritual well-being.
Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:14, reflect on whether you align more with being idle, fainthearted, or weak in your faith journey. Understand that God intervenes not out of harshness but out of deep love, guiding you toward transformation and perseverance.
As Psalm 103 suggests, pay attention to divine guidance: God warns against laziness yet supports and uplifts the weary. Listen intently for His voice amidst life’s distractions.
So, next time a reminder prompts you to stretch physically, let it serve as a cue to invite God to stretch your spiritual being as well. Embrace the discomfort with faith, knowing that through God’s gentle stretching, you evolve into a truer reflection of His grace and love.
Father, I don’t know if I’m ready to be stretched by You, but I want to be willing. Help me in my weakness to trust Your unfailing love for me. I know You aren’t a drill sergeant, yelling at me to get moving, but You are a kind father, encouraging me to let You show me all that You have made me to be. Thank You for your love. Amen.
Now listen to the short version of this Abide meditation, “Seventh-inning Stretch,” based on Isaiah 42:3. Let God speak to your heart about how He gently stretches you to help you grow.
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