When the Pressure's On

Did you ever open a bottle of coke after it had been shaken up? Or release the valve on a pressure cooker? Or maybe accidentally stick your finger in a rotten piece of fruit? You can always tell what’s inside when the pressure’s on.

And it is the same way with us. Have you ever used the excuse, “I’ve just been under a lot of pressure lately?” I have, and I’ll be the first to admit that’s a pretty lame excuse, because the pressure is not the problem. The pressure only serves to expose what’s on the inside (which is the problem). If hate and anger are on the inside, that’s what will spill out when pressure is applied. If joy and peace rule, then that’s what will spill out.

When Jesus was crucified, under excruciating pain and pressure, what did He say? He didn’t curse them – He prayed for them: “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they’re doing.”

The Bible and books of Christian history are literally full of stories of those who have been tormented, beaten, crucified, burned, stoned … and who could only find grace and forgiveness in their hearts for their persecutors.

The words of St. Paul, written from a prison cell, testify of the grace and peace available through the most difficult of circumstances: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phip. 4:13). 

Father, help us today to stop making excuses for ourselves when we fall short under pressure. Help us instead reach up to You and receive Your grace and peace, to carry us through any situation that may come our way!

Peace - Davina