Under Pressure

Under Pressure

“. . . because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:3-4, NIV

Don’t you wonder how much of the stress we deal with on a day-to-day basis is really a test from the Lord? Obviously, we’re all under some kind of tension. Maybe it’s caused by your spouse or your kids or your workplace or your health. Maybe your tension is a direct result of decisions you made in the past and the consequences you’re having to deal with now. We all are called to handle some form and some level of pressure. How we deal with it makes all the difference in our level of peace.

An old legend says that God first created birds without wings. Sometime later, God made wings and said to the birds, “Come, take up these burdens and bear them.” The birds hesitated at first but soon obeyed. They tried picking up the wings in their beaks but found them too heavy. Then they tried picking them up with their claws but found them too large. Finally, one of the birds managed to get the wings hoisted onto its shoulders where it was finally possible to carry them.

To the amazement of the birds, before long the wings began to grow and they soon had attached themselves to the bodies of the birds. One of the birds began to flap his wings and others followed his example. Before long, one of the birds took off and began to soar in the air above!

What had once been a heavy burden now became the very thing that enabled the birds to go where they could never go before . . . and at the same time, truly fulfill the destiny of their creation.

My friend, the duties and responsibilities you count as burdens today may be part of God’s plan for your life, the means by which your soul is lifted up and prepared for eternity. Don’t be afraid of the pressure. Remember that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a beautiful diamond.

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading Matthew 5:1-12 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message this coming Sunday, February 8, as we worship the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.