Strength in Being Stretched
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Purposeful Pathway is the haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.
The theme of this post is finding strength in being stretched!
Ah, stretching…each of us has experienced the sharp pain of stretching muscles. Being stretched by life circumstances, too, is rarely comfortable; yet there are few ways far better for growing and gaining strength than stretching. God often stretches us through the people and situations He places on our paths. We can also intentionally stretch ourselves in order to grow.
How exactly can we gain strength in being stretched? Let’s explore five actionable steps:
- Choose to lose. Choose to lose the comfort of the status quo. Yes, it feels nice to stick with the routine and to avoid shaking things up; yet, in order to maximize growth and joy, we must choose to let go of the current paradigm. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
- Question the unquestionable. Some things we take for granted as being perfect as is. These things could be our morning quiet time routine, our marketing habits, our friendships or our business goals. Yet we discover new visions and new energy when we choose to question the unquestionable. Write a thoughtful list of your many habits and routines; review this list and start questioning how you can improve, modify or even eliminate items.
- Break the boundary. Having chosen to let go of the comfort zone and to question the unquestionable, you can now make steps to break old boundaries. Is your quiet time lacking in power? Increase the time you spend with God even if it means going to bed earlier at night. Are your marketing efforts bearing little fruit? Rethink your strategies, hire a coach or take a marketing class. Are some of your friendships dragging you down? Think about setting healthy boundaries and surrounding yourself with those who inspire you.
- Delight in discomfort. Having broken boundaries, you will most certainly deal with reactions both on an internal level and on an external level. Learn to rise above resistance and also delight in discomfort. The discomfort is a sure sign that you are growing and gaining strength. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
- Give glory to God. God is the giver of all good things, including strength. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) So give Him glory as you stretch yourself and as you grow!
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
If you need help with stretching for strength or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!
Let’s Pray: Strong Savior, thank You for stretching us when we need to be strengthened. Remind us that we can do all things through You; remind us also that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Allow us to grow for Your glory that we may draw many souls to heaven and to Your heart. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it is in Your Name we pray. Amen.
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