21 Days of StretchSample

Stretch Marks

When we stretch ourselves for God’s kingdom, God puts a mark on us.

We are distinguished and highly favoured. Stretching ourselves in the kingdom requires discipline, a little stretch everyday is what changes us. When you consistently stretch yourself to serve, to give, to pray and fast to live for Him, God honours you by putting his mark on you. Stretching brings growth in all aspects of your life such that you are marked by all to see.

Let's consider Daniel, a young man who was very disciplined and who stretched himself so much that he became distinguished. Daniel was disciplined in fasting and prayer. In Daniel chapter 1, Daniel was offered the best of everything in the king’s palace, but the Bible said that ‘Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself’. Daniel made up his mind, in other words, he decided and then he acted. As a result of his decision to stretch himself beyond his peers so that he could please God, the Bible says, ‘Now God granted Daniel favour’. This year, the favour you are looking for is a result of your stretch, your resolve to set yourself apart for God. This fast can change the course of your life. Daniel’s 10-day fruit fast did just that. He fasted faithfully, disciplined, having made up his mind to seek God and as a result he was better and healthier than all the young men who ate the king’s finest food. Favour does not just come by ad hoc prayer requests; it comes by discipline.

Later in Daniel chapter 6, we read that Daniel distinguished himself among all his peers, his colleagues in high places and they were jealous of him. They knew that his secret to his distinction was his commitment to prayer. In fact, they set up a trap which meant Daniel found himself in a den of lions. Yet his discipline in prayer also gave him favour with even lions, because even they recognised that Daniel was marked!

Commit yourself to this fast and God will distinguish you. Commit yourself to prayer and even your enemies will work for you. Kingdom discipline is rewarded with favour. God will put his mark on you!