It has been a while since I have updated my blog.

Busyness has been what is keeping me from it. Yet again, busyness is not a bad thing; especially when you know there is meaning and purpose behind each activity. Yet the very act juggling the various responsibilities is not an easy task.

Balancing preaching, preparation for public talks, seminars, coaching leaders, completing a Master Course in Theology, starting a second Master of Art program in Organizational Leadership, helping my wife in her business, making time deliberately to be with the kids - that has been my life since the start of this year. Balancing has become a word of difficulty to me. Why? It is hard to find balance in life. This is reality; a fact of life. What I have learnt recently from my lecturer is that it is wiser to embrace “DYNAMIC TENSION”. Tension is not a bad word. There are redemptive natures to it. Let me illustrate.

I hardly can find balance in the midst of all these responsibilities. Some people say that it is suicidal. Some people inquired how I am managing it. My reply is… God’s grace and faithfulness. Let me qualify myself… it is not as if I am really struggling with life or trying hard to make ends meet. In fact, on the contrary, God has been extremely faithful to open doors for ministries and business.

Yet as I experienced the dynamic tensions of life daily, I have learnt to be more dependent on His grace. One key phrase I have used frequently this season is “Accepting the limitations of my humanity makes me realize HIS DIVINITY”. In essence, it is “His strength is made perfect in my weaknesses”.

Do I feel stretched at times? You bet!

Do I feel pushed to my limits? A resounding Yes!

Yet, even in my moments of weakness, God is still faithful as I lean on Him. I have come to understand that my dependency on God is a healthy sign of my spirituality. I am reminded of my need for His anointing and grace. Just recently in the early morning, as I was still half awaked, I heard a still small voice ringing in my sleepy mind - “Your capacity is enlarged as you are stretched.” Instantly, I knew God was speaking to me; in response to my recent days of complaints. That word immediately brought peace to my spirit. God knows my struggles. God is involved in my busyness. God is still watching over me. God hears my concern. God is the Mastermind behind this “stretching”. God allows me go through this season so that my capacity … for greater ministry, for more of His presence will be enlarged as I am stretched in my faith and my abilities. It is in the stretching where I grow. It is in the stretching of my faith where I learn to trust and depend on Him more.

This revelation liberated me and brought me to a new level of understanding His work in my life in this season of time.

What about you? Are you stressed? Are you stretched beyond your limits? Are you crying out “STOP”?

If you are, remember you are not alone. Invite God into those areas of life where you feel stretched. As long as God is with and in you, He will see you through. Don’t be afraid of being stretched. No one ever likes being stretched. Stretching shifts us beyond our comfort zone; a necessary element for growth.

Paul wrote in Colossians 1:29 “To this end, I labor, STRUGGLING with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me”. This word meant alot as I pondered over “Your capacity is enlarged as you are stretched. When we learn to walk in the dynamic tensions of life and we allow God to be central, we find a new perspective; His perspective. As we are stretched beyond measure, our capacity to contain His presence and power enlarge as we learn to LEAN more on His GRACE.

So, please remember… Some struggling is not bad. Dynamic Tension isn’t either. Stretching as well…

Shalom

Rev. Bryan Tan

Bryan Tan Ministries

Lifting people into their destinies