2 Corinthians 1:8

Pressure-Produced Power

We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. (2 Corinthians 1:8).

The pressures of life can be overwhelming. A young man who is just beginning his career feels the pressure of doing his job well, making the house and car payments, being a good husband and father, and making wise, long-range decisions. A working mother is concerned about keeping the house neat, making sure that all the laundry gets done, maintaining job security, satisfying her husband, and helping her teenagers become responsible adults.

Sometimes the stress gets to us, and we feel we can’t survive another day. But as Christians we can endure the strain successfully if we view life’s pressure situations as opportunities for us to demonstrate God’s power. The following poem, which appeared in the old publication Record of Faith, makes that point:

Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely, it seems beyond strength;
Pressed in the body, and pressed in the soul;
Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure from friends,
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod;
Pressed into living a life in the Lord;
Pressed into living a Christ-life outpoured.

Under pressure? Sure. We all are. But we can be victorious if we let that pressure teach us to live in the power of Christ! - D.C.E.

Source unknown

With Patience

With patience in His love I’ll rest,
And whisper that He knoweth best,
Then, clinging to that guiding hand,
A weakling, in His strength I’ll stand.

- Pentecost

Think less of the power of things over you and more of the power of Christ in you.

Our Daily Bread, Tuesday, January 24