2 Kings 6:1-2 The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.” And he said, “Go.”
Stretching before exercise prepares the body, muscles, joints and nervous system for physical activity. It increases flexibility and warms-up the muscles. Athletes often perform better when they stretch beforehand. Stretching improves movement and flexibility which in-turn results in strengthening and development of the muscles.
Likewise spiritual stretching is vital for our spiritual growth. Our Divine Designer desires His children to grow continuously and consistently and strengthen their faith. This is why He moves us out of our comfort zone. He rattles the nest that we are resting and relaxing in, to train us to fly and soar on high. He stretches us to “Enlarge our Spiritual Vision”.
Elisha’s disciples had a vision to extend their worship centre. With Elisha’s approval they went to chop some wood by the River Jordan and one of the prophets dropped the ax-head into the river. However, in the crisis they experienced the miraculous power of God that made the “iron float”. Stretching enlarges our spiritual vision and magnifies the power of God.
Stretching is not pleasant but is inevitable and enhances performance; similarly, spiritual stretching of our faith is not easy but is absolutely necessary for growth. The challenges we face are only spiritual stretches that prepare us to soar. Resisting changes stiffen us but stretching will strengthen our spiritual muscles.
Stretching Enlarges our Vision:
- Peril: Stretching prepares the body for vigorous physical activity; similarly the perils of life prepare us to exercise the Word of God. Overcoming problems through the promises enlightens our eyes to the greatness of our God. Through the peril, Elisha’s disciples experienced the Lord as “The God who makes the iron float”.
- Performance: Stretching improves our flexibility similarly; spiritual stretching strengthens trust, obedience and patience.
- Power: Stretching helps us to tap into the wonder working miraculous power of our God. Only in the midst of a health, financial or relational storm can we see the wonder working power of God.
“Stretching enhances our spiritual vision.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I will stop fretting and will learn to stretch and grow spiritually through the storm. Amen.
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