The Stress of Circumstances
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.
I think sometimes that we get pressure and stress all mixed up. My dictionary tells me that stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. I think that’s absolutely right.
Sometimes, we wish that all the stresses of life would just go away. But often the circumstances and situations that come our way put us under incredible pressure. Great! So now what?
What if I told you that God’s plan for your life is for you to flourish rather than to stress when you’re under pressure and what if His plan for your life is for you to be pruned and then to grow, bursting forth with branches and fruit, right there in the middle of situations that really should be stressful?
Pressure and stress are two different things. Pressure is the external force exerted on us by difficult people or circumstances or whatever it may be. It comes from out there. But stress is about what we do with that pressure. Stress is how we react to that pressure. Have a listen to this. It’s written by the Apostle Paul:
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.
Now the pressure is definitely on for Paul and his friends, but they’re not letting it get to them. They’re not stressed despite the incredible pressures. Pressure is absolutely unavoidable in this world. Stress on the other hand, is completely optional.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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Lynn
I never thought about the difference between between pressure and stress. It is enlightening and empowering. What a ...
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I never thought about the difference between between pressure and stress. It is enlightening and empowering. What a great way to start my day!
Debry Powell
This is a powerful message. I really enjoyed reading it. AMEN! !!
This is a powerful message. I really enjoyed reading it. AMEN! !!