Stretch Me Lord!
Today I am joining Lisa-Jo and others for the 5 Minute Friday where we are given a word prompt and write for just 5 minutes simply for the joy of writing. No editing or backtracking necessary. No need to be perfect. Just words freely flowing from my heart to yours.
TODAY’S PROMPT: STRETCH
When my feet hit the floor each morning, one of the first things I like to do is stretch. There is something about expanding my muscles that allows me to feel prepared to begin each day. When I stretch, my aches and pains seem to disappear. I stand, feet firmly planted on the ground. Lifting my arms up to the heavens, I inhale deeply, and midway through the stretch, I exhale loudly as my voice responds to the stretch.
God has a way of stretching me. Like a rubber band, I feel stretched at times. He calls me to exercise muscles that I’ve never used before. At first, I shrink back, comfortable to be left in the place where I’ve already been. But He continues to call me up, and out, and forward. “I want to stretch you beyond your abilities. I want you to reach farther, to touch heaven.”
Although the stretch is often painful, He promises that I will never be broken, never be torn beyond repair. The stretch enlarges my heart and opens me wide to receive all that He has prepared for me.
Stretch me Lord! I am willing.
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. (Isaiah 54:2 NIV)
barbie, this is where i am right now… such a stretching time on so many many levels and fronts. thanks for the encouragement.
I pray for you often Charis. Trusting that the Lord is perfecting that which concerns you!
What a beautiful 5 minutes! I love that picture and the verse!
Thank you Eileen. I can’t take credit for the picture, but i believe it suits the post perfectly. Have a beautiful week.
Love this Barbie!
Thank you my friend.
great post…yes He does stretch…but never to break our hearts…just break down those things that keep us from living free…blessings as we stretch in Him~
He is always so loving and gentle. His desire is that we be completely free! Thank you Ro elliott!
Yes, He does stretch us beyond our abilities so we rely on His abilities…wonderful write…wishing you a blessed Sunday, Barbie 🙂
So true Dolly. Have a blessed week.
Yes He does! Thankful you stopped by!
I am kind of thinking of you sweet , in your jammies, stretching…starting your day reaching for Him. Sweet share Barbie!
Thanks my friend.
It does hurt to stretch sometimes but He knows what is for the best!
I think sometimes He’s closest during those times. Have a beautiful weekend!
I like this, Barbie! “He calls me to exercise muscles I’ve never used before.” So very true. If we are to grow, we must step out of our comfort zones…we must use those muscles we’ve never used. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks for stopping by Jacqui!
“The stretch enlarges my heart …” So love this Barbie! So blessed by your words friend! Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Wendy. Enjoy your weekend.
I hear you Barbie! He does stretch us and it can at times be a bit painful. But it’s so good for us.
blessings and love,
Debbie
It’s all worth it, isn’t it Debbie?
Yours is the 3rd entry I’ve read on “stretch” and they have all been such a blessing. Stretching means growth and I’ve definitely had my fair share in recent months. But, he remains faithful through it all. Blessings for a great weekend!
Thank you so much Stacie!
Thanks for stopping by today Meg.
I like that… to touch heaven. Lovely! Echoes in my heart… – Pam, http://wordglow.wordpress.com
Thank you Pam. Loved that you stopped by today.
Amen to that, Barbie! I love the feeling of stretching when I’m doing it myself. But when God stretches me, it often feels uncomfortable. It’s so good to know His stretching has an equally healthy purpose as my own – actually sometimes an even better purpose. Happy Friday!
So true Rosann! Have a wonderful weekend.
So true, Barbie! I know I’ve certainly experienced plenty of stretching in my short lifetime, and I’m sure there’s much more to come!
You have a beautiful space here. Beautiful words as well.
Oh, amen! We are so kindred. Let’s wear these stretchmarks of living proudly. for they display the beauty of His power in our weakness…
what a wonderful write, friend! Oh what God can do through you. Even five minutes at a time!
You had me laughing at the word “stretchmarks”. That could have made a great 5 Minute Friday! You are a gem. Love you!
I second Beth’s amen! I love what you said here: “Although the stretch is often painful, He promises that I will never be
broken, never be torn beyond repair. The stretch enlarges my heart and
opens me wide to receive all that He has prepared for me.” I’m right there with you, Barbie!
Have a wonderful Friday, my friend!
Thank you Stefanie!
You’re welcome, Barbie!
Amen Barbie! He definitely has a way of stretching us. He knows how easily we would stay in that comfortable position. Have a blessed Friday!
Oh yes, and He loves us too much to leave us comfortable! Have a beautiful weekend.