In our Focal Scripture, Jesus told the man with the withered hand to stretch forth his hand. That man was yet to receive his healing; he was yet to be made whole; all things were yet to work in his favour, but Jesus placed a demand for him to stretch forth his hand. Stretching involves going beyond normal limits; so that man was commanded to do more even when his miracle was yet to happen; he did more while waiting for his miracle.
Friend, as you await the manifestation of God’s prophetic word over your life, dare to do more. Pray more; do more; prepare more; grow more; get more intense in your walk with God; get more serious in your career, business, ministry, vocation, etc.; get more knowledgeable than you have ever been; go beyond your comfortable limits and do more than is demanded of you; go beyond your comfort zone and be more.
In this new year, stretch your devotion to God; stretch your consistency and efficiency; stretch your consecration and dedication to God; stretch your focus; stretch your depth in Christ; stretch your faith; stretch your intellect; stretch your abilities; stretch your commitment and competence; stretch your vision; stretch yourself in the areas where you are limited or seem limited; stretch yourself even if your ‘hand’ is paralysed.
The man with the withered hand stretched his hand before it became whole as the other. He stretched before a new thing showed up. If you fail to stretch, your new hand may not show up. If you fail to stretch, all things may not work, and good things may not happen as expected. The place of your stretching is the place of positioning for the new season release from heaven.
It may never be convenient to stretch yourself, but dare to stretch more than you have ever done, dare to do more than your comfort zone demands, and you shall enjoy new things in this New Year.
