How Far Are You Willing to Stretch?

When I think of stretching, I picture something similar to the young man in the picture.  Yes we can stretch our muscles but, that is not what I am talking about today.  So stay with me, I have an interesting story for ya.

Yesterday I tried out for worship team at my church .  My worship leaders were very impressed with my vocals but I lacked in stage presence.  My voice was worshiping but my body was not.  I'm not surprised because physical worship has always been an area where I struggle.

I was in my mid thirties before I could even get up the nerve to raise my hands during worship.  Sounds pretty stupid hugh?  Yeah I know but God has really been talking to me over this weekend and revealing what inhibits my ability to just let go and worship Him.

Okay, are you ready for this?  We're friends so, this is going to get a little personal.  Much of it boils down to weight! Of which, mine has gone UP since having kids ya'll.  Can you believe that?  Not that I gained weight having children but it's my weight that keeps me from worshiping!

I feel that if I draw attention to myself people will see all of my physical flaws and pay more attention to how fat I am than anything else.  I don't know about you, but in talking with some of my girlfriends who have picked up some weight over the years, when you don't like your weight and you walk into a room, you feel like everyone is judging you because of how you look.

Now I know that might sound as crazy as a blind mind driving but unfortunately, it is what it is.  Now when I'm in choir, I can raise my hands, smile, cry, pray, worship...no problem.  It's a group setting and we're all up there doing it.  But to stand out front in worship team, where I am on that big screen and peeps are looking at me?  Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp!!!!!!!

So what does this have to do with stretching you might ask?  Well if my vocals happen to be good enough to out weigh the lack of stage presence and I actually make the worship team, I am really going to have to allow God to stretch my worship abilities as well as my mind set.  For me, that will be like turning a person with rheumatoid arthritis into a contortionist!

Then WHY did you even try out for worship team?  Uh huh, I know that's what you're thinking! :)  Well I tried out because I am willing and desire to be stretched in this area.  I NEED to be stretched in this area.  Lord turn me into a worshiping contortionist!  Do it Lord!

Now, I'm not saying it won't take some patience on my worship leaders parts and some serious faith on my part but, when you are willing to let God stretch you, he takes your mind and body further than you could ever imagine.

So I ask you my friends, how far are YOU willing to stretch in areas that you struggle with?

Yatta
(Yah-ta)