Pressure: The Purpose Of Pressure

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

2 Corinthians 1:8

Everyone is busy. Some people just don’t talk about it as much as others. It is true that some people are busier than others but, still, everyone these days has a lot to do. Busyness puts us all under a load of pressure.

When the pressure on you mounts, how do you decide which way to go, which priorities you will pursue? How do you choose when there is job pressure, financial pressure, family pressure, pressure to do church and ministry work, and pressure to take some time off? How about pressure to compromise, to get angry, to lead a secret thought life? Or the pressure that takes you away from walking closely with God?

The Apostle Paul burned up as much energy as anyone—he was a busy man. At one point he vulnerably wrote to Corinth that he felt so much pressure that “we despaired even of life.” What solace to know that even imperturbable Paul experienced this common human emotion.

What is the purpose of pressure? Why do we feel the great pressures, even to the point of despair? Paul explains the purpose of our pressure by explaining the purpose of his own: “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God” (2 Corinthians 1:9).

The purpose of pressure is to keep us constantly dependent upon the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus is our rescue, our guide, our Master. To rely on Him is to please the Father. When we rely upon ourselves, He cannot deliver us. When we yield to Him, He can deliver us. “He has delivered us…, and he will deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10, emphasis added).

Our experience of delivery is the empirical evidence that His Word is true. Has He delivered you once? It is our assurance that He will deliver us again.

I SURRENDER

Lord Jesus, I am busy. The burden of my pressure weighs down on me like a heavy load. Use this to redirect my dependency to You. Slow me down, Lord. I do not want to rely on myself but on the power of God. Deliver me again, I pray. I will rely upon You. Amen.