Day 4: The Early Stretch

Focus Area - REACH UP
Stretch Toward God

Scripture: Psalm 63:1

Reflection: What to do when you feel alone and are facing change and uncertainty.

Expanded Focus:
Have you ever wanted to eat your favorite dessert only to find out you have to buy all the ingredients and labor to make it yourself? Then, you sit down and enjoy the first bite. Oh, how wonderful it tastes! That is how I feel when God answers at the right time and confirms his love toward us.

My Uncle James was a pillar in our family, showing kindness to people and serving as a long-time preacher. When he passed away, it left a void in my heart, and I felt no one could replace him; we needed another preacher in the family. You see, not everyone in my family has accepted the gift of salvation. This led me to pray and seek an answer from God about my family’s future. Who will be the next preacher, teacher, and spiritual leader in my family? Waiting for an answer was hard, but I knew God would answer. At times, I told myself that God had already answered; I just was not listening. Knowing in my heart God said to wait, I kept reminding myself of His faithfulness.

Just as David sought God earnestly in the desert in Psalm 63, I had to seek God in my grief and uncertainty. I wanted to stretch my faith and let God know I was serious. I sang songs, studied bible verses, worshipped, and prayed. God is faithful. He answered this specific prayer within nine months! Today, my new son-in-law is a minister and teacher. All the Glory goes to God; He was with me during the waiting and answered with love. Hallelujah!!

We all face seasons where a "pillar" in our lives falls—whether it’s the loss of a mentor, the end of a job, or the fading of a dream. You may feel like the spiritual well has run dry, wondering who will step up to lead or how you will survive the change. Your "dry land" isn't a sign of God’s absence; it is the environment where a deeper thirst for Him is born. Just as I looked for the next preacher in my family, you may be looking for a sign of hope in yours. Remember: the labor of seeking is never in vain.

Don’t let the silence of God lead to your own silence. This week, identify one "dry area" in your life where you have been waiting for an answer. Commit to an intentional stretch: if you usually pray for five minutes, give Him ten; if you haven't opened your Bible, find one verse to meditate on daily. Show God you are serious by preparing the "ingredients" of your faith through worship and study. Act as if the answer is already on the way, and watch how He transforms your period of waiting into a season of wonder.

Questions to Consider:

1. The Petition: What personal or private prayer are you holding? Trust that God hears the heart's cry.
2. The Action: How will you "stretch" this week to show God you are serious about your prayer?
3. The Timeline: Can you trust God enough to tell Him your heart’s desire and then rest in His perfect timing?