Stretching Beyond Limits
Lent on the Run—Day 6: I hate stretching, but I can't just expect strength if I don't do the work.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
— Philippians 4:13
Gaining strength isn’t just about faith—it’s about trust.
For years, I believed wholeheartedly in the fundamental proclamation of Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” That verse can make you feel invincible. However, like so much of our faith journey, deeper reflection invites us to look beyond the surface. Strength doesn’t simply appear; it grows through practice, patience, and trust.
This is why I say gaining strength is a trust thing. It requires a commitment to go deeper, push harder, and listen closely to God’s guidance. Trusting God means stepping outside our comfort zones, believing that what seems impossible can become reality with God’s strength at work within us.
In the running community, stretching is often debated—and just as often ignored. Yet stretching can be crucial for staying healthy and strong. As I get older, I’ve realized I can’t just step out the door and run like I did in high school or college. I need a routine—one that takes time and requires trust. Trust that what I do now will make me stronger in the future. Each stretch might feel small, even insignificant, but over time it builds resilience and strength that allows me to keep moving forward.
Our faith works the same way. Growing in God’s strength comes through intentional time spent in prayer, reflection, and community. It stretches us beyond the comfortable, pushing us toward who God is calling us to be. Sometimes that stretching feels uncomfortable or even painful, but it’s in those moments that God’s strength carries us forward.
When you feel stretched, trust that God is at work. Through that trust, you’ll discover strength you never thought possible.
As you reflect on the stretches in your own life—both physical and spiritual—where is God inviting you to trust Him more deeply, even when it feels uncomfortable?
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