A GOOD STRETCH Author Unknown

My strength is made perfect in weakness. — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Physical therapy is a painful necessity after knee-replacement surgery. Part of my routine involved my therapist pulling my knee back into a bent position and holding it taut. "Good stretch?" Mason would ask encouragingly. "No," I winced, "not that good!"

I soon learned, however, how important it is to stretch one's muscles and joints — sometimes causing discomfort — to gain full range of motion.

That wasn't the first time I've been "stretched" outside my comfort zone. God has sometimes urged me to share my faith with someone I didn't know very well, or to give an offering that was far beyond what I usually give or to 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" (Heb. 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 Cor. 12:9). Our adequacy — our sufficiency — is found in Him (3:5).

When you boldly step out in faith and obedience to God, you may be surprised at how a "good stretch" can strengthen your spiritual life! — Cindy Hess Kasper

To stretch our faith, to take the risk,

God says we will succeed

If we but ask Him for the strength And grace that we will need. — D. De Haan