Are you being forced to be too flexible?


            Years ago in my gymnastics days, I went to a gym for classes that would physically shove us further down into our stretches.  It wasn’t enough to physically hurt us too much; however it did cause some pain.  However it did make us get more flexible than we thought possible.  The moments of uncomfortable forcing were worth it in the end.  Our class got more limber as a result.
            There are many moments in our life that are like that.  Circumstances can push us further than we want to go.  We are uncomfortable and complain in the moment, but later we realize how much the situation helped us.  Those moments can make us ready, able, and prepare us for times we may need the flexibility. 
            Many of you have heard my rubber band analogy before, but I think it bears repeating here.  Years ago I was cleaning out an old junk drawer.  I heard the Lord tell me that he needed to stretch me at times so that I didn’t end up like that crusty rubber band in the back of the junk drawer.  Why does that make sense?  Well you know the crusty rubber bands in the back of the drawer that are never used.  When they are used they snap when you need them. The moral to this story is simply, there are times in your life that you will be uncomfortable and stretched further than you think possible, but simply allow yourself to go through the process or you’ll snap in the times that you seem as important. The training process is always worth it.
            When we find ourselves in these situations that are stretching us and preparing us, it’s important to remember just to go with it.  Complaining, whining, and fighting against the process just frustrates everyone.  We have to stay flexible.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” Philippians 2:14 (ESV)
            Just go with it. Here’s a quote I just found in my stash of old quotes. “I have often thought about the faith it took for the Israelites to walk in the Red Sea behind Moses and watch as the waters parted. If they had waited to understand it all they would have stayed on the bank of the sea and would have missed their time of crossing over. May we endeavor to recognize when God is doing something and just go with it. May we not stop for it all to make sense, but realize we are living stories we will one day tell our great grandchildren as they sit on our laps.  Hold onto what He is doing and just go with it!”

            Remember God has awesome plans for your life.  Get excited!

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