Being "Stretched" Outside Our Comfort Zone

While working for a major gas pipeline company several years ago, I accidentally fell and severely sprained my ankle. Part of my physical therapy routine involved my therapist using weights to assist my ankle in regaining the strength it had before the accident.

After sixteen weeks of physical therapy, I learned how important it is to stretch one’s muscles and joints — sometimes causing great discomfort — in order to gain full range of motion.

As Christians, there are times when we are “stretched” outside our comfort zone. Through His word, God may urge us to share our faith with someone we may not know very well, to give an offering that is far beyond what we usually give, or confront someone about a situation.

Abraham’s life illustrates the importance of faith when God asks us to move beyond our comfort zone:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called …. He went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).

While we stretch our spiritual muscles, we may feel discomfort. But God assures us:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Beloved, our adequacy and sufficiency is  found in God (2 Corinthians 3:5). When we boldly step out in faith and obedience to God, we may be surprised at how a “good stretch” can strengthen our spiritual life!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets