January 17, 2021
Stretching
Beloved one, once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast as John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?” Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
(Mark 2:18-20 NLT) I love how Jesus always had a parable He could share when He was questioned. “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? The new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (Mark 2:21-22)
When you realize God is in complete control of everything going on around you, you raise your expectations for a different outcome! We can make our plans, and set our goals, but God orders our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) God is sovereign, He reigns, and He rules. Beside Him is no other! Whatever is going on around you right now, I don’t know how but I do know God is at work turning this all around for your good and His glory! (Romans 8:28) Once you settle in your spirit that God is in complete control, no matter what is going on you will remain in peace. (Philippians 4:4-9) To live a fruitful life you must be intentional every day to spend time with God and apply His Word to your daily walk. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) God is sovereign, but you have a responsibility to take action.
You do your part and God will do His part!
1. Respond to God when He gives you instructions. (Proverbs 6:6-11)
2. Seek God for the vision He has for you this year. (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
3. Write down what He gives you in ink.
4. Write down your goals and your convictions. (This is who I am and what I will do)
5. Be flexible, God often changes His plan so have a number 2. Pencil handy to fill in your calendar when He makes a change. When you do that, you are making room for God. You are flexible!
He who is not flexible shall be bent out of shape! God is stretching you this year, but you must be flexible and willing to change! The rigidity of tradition traps you and causes you not to be flexible. The meaning of fasting per the Bible is ‘fasting’ ‘the voluntary absence of food for a limited period for the purpose of drawing near to God.’ Fasting means to deny your flesh to strengthen your spirit. It’s not a diet. Fasting is not required; it’s encouraged but you will be rewarded. They are judging Jesus and the disciples for not fasting. Fasting is not required but it’s rewarded. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be present eating with Jesus? Jesus said, there is a time coming when I will no longer be here, and you will need to fast then, but not now! God is stretching you this year!
