You Won't Pop

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV

Have you ever blown up a balloon for the first time? That's always the hardest. Once it's been blown up and the air has been let out, it's easier to blow it up the next time.

Sometimes, we are like the balloon, and God is the One blowing us up to enlarge and expand us to our maximum capacity! When the Lord wants to take us to the next level of growth, impact or influence—He has to enlarge our capacity for EVERYTHING! He has to expand our capacity for handling stress and pressure; for dealing with multiple issues, problems and challenges; for giving generously, serving joyfully and for patiently enduring––without popping! He expands our capacity by making all grace abound toward us.

The first time God begins to blow up our balloons to expand our capacity, it's hard. We feel stretched to the gills and almost as if we are going to blow a gasket! We wonder if we can take any more pressure. We wonder if we can afford to serve or sow into others. We can—because God is faithful, and He will never expect more of us than we are able to handle. Sometimes, the Lord has to stretch us to the point of "almost" popping because He knows that, in real life, we'll never actually get to that point. We'll probably operate at an 80-90% level of our absolute full capacity or "popping" potential. But, once He's enlarged and expanded us to the 100% level over and over again, operating at 80-90% is a piece of cake!

So, how about you? Felt like the balloon lately? If so, be encouraged; you won't pop! He's preparing you for what He's prepared for you. You're heading into a season of greater impact and influence.

"Father, expand and enlarge my capacity! I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I thank You for grace for the pace. I thank You that You will never give me more than I can handle, but You are preparing me for what You are preparing for me. I believe it and I trust You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."