Stretching To Strength

Stretching to Strength

Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota strives to live a life that glorifies God. He says, “Going all in . . . is being motivated to always set the bar higher and never get complacent. We do that with His power and for His glory.”^a

Complacency is the easy path of comfort. All too often, we choose that path and look back at our average seasons with regret. You see, we know that God is longing to work in and through our lives both individually and also corporately through his church. But we must leave the complacency behind and go all in.

We must allow God to stretch us to strength. This “all in” life is one where we are intentional about growth and maturity because we don’t want to leave anything on the field. We embrace discipline, we strive to get stronger, and we put ourselves in places of weakness so that the Lord can stretch us. We are striving to live a life that glorifies God.

First Corinthians 9:26-27 states, “I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” The apostle Paul was very intentional to live what he professed with his words. This wholeness and integrity isn’t always easy, and I have learned that it will not happen unless I am intentional about being stretched to strength.

Are there areas of sin where you continually struggle? Are you giving of your resources so the Kingdom can advance? Are you under the teaching of a pastor in a local body of believers where you can grow, serve, and deploy your gifts? These are just some questions to prod you to address areas where you need to grow intentionally. Run with purpose in every step!

I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27