Today’s Bible Verse

When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” He said this to stretch Philip’s faith. He already knew what he was going to do.

John 6:5-6 (MSG)

Blessed are the Stretched!

Before any muscle can grow, there must be some stretching; it’s inherent to growth. But I’ll be the first one to admit that it’s uncomfortable and painful most of the time. The adage “no pain, no gain” is a nice motivational punchline until we are living it in our own flesh. 

However, there is a simple practice that helps tremendously in the stretching process. Yielding. When we resist (in secret attitudes or limiting mindsets) we hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives. But when we completely yield and stop trying to do things in our own limited strength, power, and wisdom, the limitless power of the Holy Spirit takes us places above all we can dare to ask, dream, or imagine. 

“Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life” (Galatians 5:16-17 TPT) (Pastor Miguel Montano, Word of Life Santa Barbara)

An Uncommon Life

Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah’s anointing, not an easy thing by Elijah’s account: 

“And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’ So he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.'” (2 Kings 2:9-10 NKJV )

Elijah basically said, “If you allow me to stretch you and remain close to me, you will obtain a double anointing when I am gone.” Even though, it was a “hard thing”, it was not impossible if Elisha remained yielded. This same principle can be applied to our marriages, finances, relationships, etc. If we remain close to the source of the power and yielded nothing will be impossible for us. Every single promise from God will be “yes and amen” because there are no limits for those that remain yielded.   

Think about all those times that you wrestled with God because you either wanted to take matters in your own hands or made choices relying in your own wisdom. Life could have been so much easier if you had remained yielded to Him!   

Today’s Declaration

Father, regardless of what comes my way, I want to remain yielded to Your Spirit. I give You permission to stretch me as You see fit; enlarge my heart and my capacity to receive from You. And just like Elisha, I chose to remain close to Your power. I know that Your ways are higher than mine and no matter what I face, You will always be with me. In Jesus’ Name! 

Today’s Bible Reading

• Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 12-14; Psalms 129
• New Testament: Luke 8:26-39; Colossians 3:1-14