Pressure tell’s the real story!
Jame 1: 3-13 (MSG) ~ 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 5 If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. 6 Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. 7 Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, 8 adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. 9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! 10 And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. 11 You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing. 12 Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. 13 Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way.
The word of God gives us a way to deal with the pressures of life: James 1:5 – If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get His help and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.
I watched a young man lose his cool over a game last night. As I listened to him rant, I couldn’t help but see him as an employer, employee, parent, leader or mate. It made me think about how I publicly handle situations I’m unhappy about. How am I coming accross with people when I am under pressure? It made me take notice of myself. Do I want to represent myself in that manner? Do I want to represent God in that manner? Not to mention…it is just a game, it is not life threatening? Is it worth the pain and pressure of being angry? I remember when raising my son I would offer him a count down to rectify a situations – it did two things…1) I had a chance to calm down and not overreact & 2) I taught him about grace and self control. I think I will start to use that method again with everyone – I will call it: reflective positioning …counting to 10 when under pressure and asking God to help me in “that” moment. If you decied to try it too…comment and let me know how it worked for you. I want to be better than the day before!
Embrace pressure, take in change and keep your head up because you will either be a piece of broken coal or a diamond at the end of all that pressure!
Pray this prayer with me:
Most Precious Lord Jesus…
Gentle And Wonderful God…
Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit…
When every ounce of my soul wants me to survive for myself, let me think of you.
When the pressure and distress of my life pushes out my thoughts for others and for you, let me count your blessings in my life.
When the distress of my life grows so great I think I will crumble, be over me, under me, and all around me.
When my sin of selfishness punishes me with fear, doubt, insecurity, and a total separation from your love, let me kneel before your suffering endured for me on the cross of Calvary.
May all I say, think, and do be a blessing to you and to your call upon my heart.
All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely.
Amen!!!
Written by: The “Butterfly”
Being Better…OnPurpose!
1 OnPurpose 
Confirmation. Ty!
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