Definition:
Overstretch refers to the act of extending oneself beyond one's limits or capacity, often leading to exhaustion or failure. In a biblical context, it can relate to physical, emotional, or spiritual exertion that surpasses what is prudent or sustainable.

Biblical Context and Examples:
The concept of overstretch, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is illustrated through various narratives and teachings that caution against overextending oneself. The Bible emphasizes the importance of balance, rest, and reliance on God's strength rather than solely on human effort.

1. Physical Overstretch:
The account of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 provides an example of physical overstretch. After his victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled from Jezebel and became physically and emotionally exhausted. In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah, overwhelmed, prays for death, saying, "I have had enough, LORD." God responds by providing rest and sustenance, demonstrating the need for physical recuperation and divine support.

2. Emotional and Spiritual Overstretch:
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the burdens of life and the importance of rest in Matthew 11:28-30 : "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This passage highlights the spiritual overstretch that can occur when individuals rely solely on their own strength rather than seeking solace and guidance from Christ.

3. Wisdom in Avoiding Overstretch:
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This wisdom literature underscores the importance of trusting in God's guidance rather than overextending oneself through self-reliance.

4. Sabbath Rest:
The principle of the Sabbath, as outlined in Exodus 20:8-10, serves as a divine mandate against overstretch. The command to rest on the seventh day is a reminder of the need for regular intervals of rest and reflection, acknowledging human limitations and God's provision.

5. Paul's Example:
The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, often faced the risk of overstretch. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Paul recognizes his limitations and the sufficiency of God's grace, illustrating the balance between human effort and divine empowerment.

Theological Implications:
The theme of overstretch in the Bible serves as a reminder of human frailty and the necessity of dependence on God. It encourages believers to seek balance in their lives, to rest in God's promises, and to avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance. The biblical narrative consistently points to the sufficiency of God's strength in the face of human weakness, urging believers to find their rest and renewal in Him.

Whence is It, that we See Genius and Natural Abilities to be ...
... known, what he then knew, when he said, "The life that I now live, is not mine,
but Christ's that liveth in me." Now did the apostle here overstretch the matter ...
/.../address 83 0 0 whence is it.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... mysteries. We may set bounds here, and not overstretch or strain our
understandings, to compass his infinite Being, as it is in itself. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi this then is.htm

we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive
... and give his life for the defence of it, though in itself it be commendable, yet
if he want charity and love to his brethren, if he overstretch that point of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter ii i .htm

"And this is his Commandment," &C.
... And therefore it is a violent perversion of the commandment, or word, to overstretch
every point of conscience, or difference, so far as to the renting of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii and this is.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... We overstretch some points of knowledge, and truth of the least value;(436) and
have less value for the fundamental statutes of the gospel, faith and love ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... all knew he was zealous in it, yet my charity to him is such, that he would not
suffer that unwarrantable zeal so far to blind him, as to overstretch the laws ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 5.htm

The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning.
... and give his life for the defence of it, though in itself it be commendable, yet
if he want charity and love to his brethren, if he overstretch that point of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/the life of mr hugh.htm

Overstretch (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Overstretch (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 10:14
For we do not, as not reaching to you, overstretch ourselves ...
/o/overstretch.htm - 6k

Over-stepping (1 Occurrence)
Over-stepping. Overstepping, Over-stepping. Overstretch . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Overstepping, Over-stepping. Overstretch . Reference Bible.
/o/over-stepping.htm - 6k

Overtake (113 Occurrences)

/o/overtake.htm - 40k

Tidings (169 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:14 For we do not, as not reaching to you, overstretch ourselves,
(for we have come to you also in the glad tidings of the Christ;) (DBY). ...
/t/tidings.htm - 38k

Overstretch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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