a simple rubber band

This morning at church, my pastor gave quite a compelling message about things we should expect from 2009. Something that I found interesting was a certain analogy he used to describe what God wants to do with us and the reasoning why.

The first time I heard about the concept of God "stretching" me was in preparation for my first overseas short-term mission trip a few years back. I thought that "stretching" was something that only happened in unfamiliar places and that it was unpleasant and undesirable. I have quickly come to find out since that trip that being stretched is a good thing. It means that you are growing stronger and expanding your boundaries whereas to work within, or out of. When athletes stretch before and after a workout regimen it is 1) extending and elongating muscle fibers, which is why it is called stretching. This is useful because it reduces muscle tension to prevent injury. And 2) it increases blood flow to the muscles and tendons providing the cells with more oxygen and nutrients. This is also important in exercise because it helps provide energy during the workout. Even though stretching prior to a workout and after can sometimes be unpleasant, we all know that in the end it is beneficial and helps to prevent soreness.

When the Bible uses the word "stretch," the outcome of the action is always for the better of that particular situation. For example, God in Exodus 3:20; God says, "So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go." The context of this verse is talking about how God saw the affliction that His people were suffering in Egypt and the only way to get the Pharoah's attention is if a "mighty hand" (19) was somehow able to compell him. In this example, "stretching" saved people. There are many other examples throughout scripture, this is just one that I chose to use sorry I am not expounding on it more.

So why do so many of us see being "stretched" as a bad thing? I think it is because when we are being stretched, most times we are uncomfortable in the process. We don't like being stretched to talk to the person next to us on a plane about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because it would make for an awkward flight, especially if it is long and the person might actually want to get into a discussion that would really make us think about our Faith and be able to defend it. When in reality, stretching is a good thing and also necessary if we are to grow stronger (which is my reasoning for the athlete example).

The example that my pastor used this morning, thus the reasoning for my title, is that of a simple rubber band. It needs to be stretched consistently to maintain elasticity, not necessarily everyday, but often enough. Have you ever had an old rubber band that has been sitting in a drawer for quite some time and when you go to use it, it snaps? That is how we are. We are scared of being stretched so we stay where we are comfortable and then when God tries to use us for something that is uncomfortable or awkward, we snap. We can't do it because we are not used to the action and usually we break. We need to allow God to continuously stretch us because if He doesn't and we just sit there, eventually we are not strong enough and at the first chance of being used, we snap; much like an old, unused rubber band.

This week our church was challenged to wear a rubber band on our wrist to remind us of the goodness of being stretched. Maybe you would like to join us? Whether or not you do, I hope the next time you see or use a rubber band you think of all that God is preparing you for and even if it is uncomfortable or awkward. Embrace being stretched; I promise it is a good thing :)