Life regularly takes us beyond our edge – what we’re currently capable of handling. And while this is often overwhelming and discouraging, it’s also part of how God refines us and prepares us to handle all he has for us.
Many days it feels like we can’t catch a break. We show up and do the work. But there’s always more to be done. And despite all our hard work it seems we’re still unable to enjoy the fruit of our labor.
Soon, we start to wonder if it’s all worth it, and if it’s better just to take the path of least resistance. Life would at least be a lot simpler this way.
But the calling God has given us burns deep in our souls and we must press forward.
Part of how God prepares us for greater service is to regularly push us beyond our edge.
This keeps our eyes focused on him as he daily renews our strength. And it also stretches us and allows us to grow.
It’s a type of resistance training that exercises our faith, deepens our hope, and extends our practice of love.
And, like most training, we don’t often see the benefit in the moment. We just feel the intense pain and struggle.
It’s with hindsight we’re able to look back and see just how far God has brought us. And through the struggle we see he has expanded our capacity to rule and reign and to bring more of his kingdom of light into the world.
This doesn’t make being pushed beyond our edge anymore pleasant. The weight is still heavy.
But it does remind us our struggle is not wasted. Not only does God see, he’s intimately involved in our training and becoming all he has created us to be.
Don’t give up as God pushes you beyond your edge and expands what you’re capable of handling.
Photo by Luemen Carlson on Unsplash
