Stretched for Purpose

(Reading Time: 2.5 minutes)

I like to be prepared. I don’t do life thrown together, rushed, or with half effort. If I do find myself in a crunch for time, I try my best to make sure you never know it. Excellence. Preparation. Professionalism. These are three things I value.

This was evident when I was invited to sing the National Anthem for the Houston Rockets in 2015. My main goal was to not become an awful YouTube sensation. You know the kind. . . the viral video that dominates social media while everyone discusses what a disaster it was, all the wrong notes you hit, and how many different keys you manage to sing in within one performance. Yep, I refused to be “that girl.” So, I prepared.  

For THREE MONTHS I took lessons and performed at as many sports games and festivals as possible. The hard work paid off and it was one of the best performances I have ever given.

I was confident and I was comfortable because I was prepared. But, God doesn’t always wait until we feel prepared. 

God may call us to move when we don’t feel so sure or confident. I’ve noticed as soon as I get my feet wet and begin to learn the lay of the land, God begins the process of stretching. 

Fast forward to June 2017. The Houston Astros called and asked if I would sing ONE WEEK later for Father’s Day! The short timeline scared the living day lights out of me, but I said yes to what ended up being another solid performance and a memory I would cherish for a lifetime. 

I thought, “Look at me! I am stretching! God enabled me to do this with just one week’s notice” Little did I know: God had more up His sleeves.

September 2017 rolls around. Hurricane Harvey hits. As a tribute to the brave first responders of our city, the Astros called to ask if I could sing “TOMORROW.” 

My first thought “TO-what?!” But oddly enough, within minutes my anxiety turned into an inexplicable peace. God was giving me the courage to say yes without any preparation.

What I have learned from these timelines (3 months, one week, tomorrow) is that God stretches. He may start us off in our comfort zones and move us along according to our preferences in the beginning, but eventually, He’ll be calling us to step out of that familiar box.

He challenges us to say yes when we would rather say no.
He pushes us to lead when we’re comfortable following.
He urges us to ride solo when we’re used to a team.
God stretches.

He convinces us to leave when it would be easier to stay.
He nudges us to speak when we prefer to be silent.
He prompts us to decide when we’d rather defer.
God stretches.

We often ask for God to “enlarge our territory,” but He cannot give us more without first increasing our capacity to handle what’s coming.

If you are feeling stretched by God lately, get excited! Stretching is about growth. Stretching leads to promotion. Stretching is about stepping out of your comfort zone to walk on water and do the things you once thought were impossible with God by your side. 

The more you stretch, the greater your capacity is to bring Him glory!