Over the past few days, I have felt tired. Not just physically, but emotionally stretched – like life was pressing in from all sides. I knew it wasn’t just busyness. It was deeper. A spiritual nudge. A season of Jehovah stretching me, especially in my character.
I’ve always believed that growth rarely happens in comfort. But this season is different. It’s not about doing more, it’s about becoming more. More surrendered. More grace-dependent. More aware of the places I thought I had mastered, only to realise I still need His help.
This morning, in the quiet place of prayer and worship, I poured out my heart to God. I didn’t have fancy words. Just honesty. Weariness. Worship. And then, a gentle nudge in my spirit: “Respond to those who’ve reached out.”
I picked up my phone and began leaving voice notes – messages of love, joy, and hope to people I hadn’t replied to. And something beautiful happened. As I encouraged others, joy welled up in me. I laughed between messages. My overwhelm turned into overflow. I was being an extension of God’s love, even while navigating my own stretch.
Have I ever told you? I’m a passionate encourager 😊. It’s one of my happy places. And today reminded me: encouragement isn’t just a gift we give, it’s a river we step into. As Jehovah encourages me, I get to pour that same hope into others.
💡 What this season is teaching me 💡
• Stretching reveals where we’ve relied on self instead of grace. I’m learning to lean, not just on what I know, but on Who I know.
• Encouragement is a spiritual strategy. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s possible.
• Joy often shows up when we serve others. Even when we feel empty, giving can unlock divine replenishment.
• Obedience opens joy. That nudge to respond wasn’t just about courtesy – it was about connection, healing, and overflow.
So if you are in a stretching season too, I see you. You are most definitely not alone. Let God stretch you, shape you, and surprise you. And while you’re at it, encourage someone. You might just find your own joy waiting in the sound of your laughter.
With love and grace from a fellow stretcher,
Michelle Omiyale