MORE The Stretch - a podcast by C3 Church Southwest WA

We are continuing in our series “MORE.” It is so important that we continue to dive into this idea that God is the GOD of more. It is so easy to find ourselves in positions that we lack something and instead of taking it to God we try to figure out how to become comfortable with our lack. We let it move in a become a bothersome roommate that makes messes and doesn’t pay the rent on time.

Lack is a concept that was created by and perpetuated by Satan himself. God created the Earth and gave Adam and Eve dominion over everything. And Satan comes along and say to Adam and Eve that God is withholding from you. If you eat from the tree he told you not to eat from, He knows that you will be like Him, knowing right and wrong. God is withholding. And mankind has struggled ever since believing that for whatever reason that God is holding back His goodness from us.

But, throughout the scriptures through God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit there is a constant drumbeat of He has more for us and that lack is not a part of His original design or heaven.

But what about being content?

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:10-13

This does not mean that following Jesus means that we will not experience pain, trouble, heartache, or sadness. But it does mean that God strengthens us to fight to see the fulfillment of his promises.

UNDERSTANDING THE FIGHT

In the battle to experience the fullness of God, we must understand the enemy(s) that we are facing.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Our own thoughts keep us from experiencing MORE!

We talk ourselves into thinking that God doesn’t care about our situation or that He has better things to do. Or worse yet that He is unable. We argue with our own doubts and we seek other’s opinions on what we should do. These are the real enemies that we face.

 Take a moment and stretch. 

Doesn’t that feel good. Stretching is likely on of the first things that you do in the morning, or after a long car ride. 

Stretching is often a preparation for some activity. It helps prevent injuries and decreases stiffness. It can helps to relieve stress and promotes circulation. 

Physical stretching is a good but, the stretching that we do in the spirit is the catalyst to unlock the more.

2 examples of a stretch to experience God’s best.

1.     Man with the withered hand.  - He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. Matthew 12:9-13

Jesus could have healed the hand without the stretch but, the stretch was the indication of the man’s faith in Jesus.

FAITH REQUIRES ACTION!

2.   Woman with the issue of blood 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”  Luke 8:43-48

It was her faith the made her well. Her stretch was the catalyst for God to    show up big!

There were hundreds in the crowd that could have “touched” Jesus. What was different about her?

GOD WILL USE OUR LACK TO COMPEL US TOWARDS HIS MORE!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  Matthew 5:6

Hunger and thirst are things that we “lack” that compels us to be filled.

What else do we lack? It is time that we stretch toward what God has already promised we can have or experience.  

Keys to Stretching for MORE!

STRETCHING WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE AT FIRST – Any new area that we venture into will require some adjustment. The stretch will always be a move toward the unknown. It requires faith. 

STRETCH OFTEN – This allows for the faith muscles to move more effectively. Consistent stretching in faith increases the level of faith that you operate in. 

STRETCH BIG – You can’t outstretch God’s goodness! Understanding that we are stretching for what God already has prepared for us. 

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO STRETCH – A issue of blood for years, a withered hand, a diagnosis, a persistent fear, brokenness. Maybe you have never stretch out for God’s goodness before. He responds when we stretch!       

         

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