Thank God for the Pressure?!

Thank God For The Pressure! (2 Corinthians 1:1-11)

This text is about pressure … but also about Hope. It is also about Community and even Leadership.

The apostle refers to a time when he was under enormous strain, stress, and intense pressure. His human capacity to endure was at its limit. The pressure points were swelling and the proverbial walls were caving in. Among the thoughts in Paul’ mind was to prove and settle the fact that his ministry was indeed of God unto whom he was called to be an apostle for. Some of the very folk he loved were getting his service to God “twisted.”

The only thing clear to him was death. Trouble was at his doorstep … Tribulations were awaiting him … Trials were after him … and Triumph was nowhere to be found.

Perhaps you have been there? Pressure! Today’s world is full of pressure. Pressure to win (at all costs) … pressure to perform, achieve, and just to get by. No sector of society is immune to it. Preacher and President … congressmen and church men … first lady and bag lady … We all feel its effects. Emotionally and financially we are drained … Spiritually we are spent … Physically we are broke-down. The question is not how to avoid it, but how to deal with it. Running is not the answer. Ignoring it is not the answer. Avoiding it will only make it worse. What should a person in today’s world do? I need to remind you that many a person's mettle was forged in the battle to overcome and deal with the pressures of life. Someone has said “If you don't go through a test, you have no test-i-mony.”

So, how shall we deal with the pressure-cookers of life? While we may never be faced with the pressures Paul felt and underwent, we all have pressure points – pressure that makes us want to scream! Yes, I almost screamed when I saw those gas prices the other day! J

-          Mornings we want to run away

-          Afternoons we wish we could hide

-          Nights we wish could go on forever

-          Days we don’t feel like going on

-          Times we just want to quit

But rather than run, hide, or quit … I suggest another option. Use the pressure points of life to God’s glory!

A close look at the text reveals at least five (5) things pressure can do for us.

1. Pressure can lead us to God’s comfort- God of all comfort = paraklesis – parakeleo = call or come to our side.  Like the comforter i.e. Holy Spirit  ... IOW God is near! How near? Very near – closer than close – easier than using a cell phone, quicker than using e-mail … God is so close – God is there when you need him! Just ask Martha and Mary – (John 11) … Lazarus was sick, Jesus was away, they found him! He is always close by – Psalms 121 … “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills …” He is there when you need him – whatever you are facing, whatever you are up against, whatever you are afraid of, etc

2. Pressure can equip us to comfort others God comforts us  “in” all our tribultation so that we can help others! God is with you while going through your test and when he delivers you you must help others ... get it? When God helps you through something he is positioning you to help someone else … its like a cycle …- When you go through your pain of sickness, death of loved ones, difficulties, etc. and God’s helping Spirit (Comforter) is with you and keeps you from losing it; you in turn help someone else who might be stuck and can’t get out …
3. Pressure can produce patient endurance - Hope
   The book of James (1:3) says the trying of your faith worketh patience
   This speaks of “hope” i.e. cheerful or hopeful endurance ... Back in John 11, Jesus said "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God" ...  God is in the mix, don't worry!
   We read in Hebrews 12:2 … Jesus for the joy endured the cross, despising the shame, etc

- Resurrection comes only after the cross!

4. Pressure can teach us to rely on God- Trust in God, not in self, other men, situation, etc. but trust in God even when things look their worst … when you are at a Dead end – when you must take an unfamiliar Detour – when you are at a Dry place … Trust God! The Children of Israel had to learn to trust God’s leading …When there was no food, he fed the, when there was no water, he gave them water from a rock … he protected them, he guided them, he kept them! So we rely on Him today. Why? If he can raise the dead, feed a nation of people, walk on water, etc.. he can bring life to your issues … financially, health, relationship, housing, educational

5. – Pressure can generate prayerful thanksgiving among believers  - Community  Helping by praying for each other … Paul says – “Because I was under pressure and you prayed for me and God delivered me –the gift – they can also rejoice and give God the glory!” When we use those words "I'm praying for you", let's mean it and see what God does! You are also blessed by asking God to bless others who are in the pressure cooker!

As a fellow minister friend of mine says "Let's be HopeDealers!" 

Hope can build us a bridge from despair to deliverance

Hope can lead us from grief to grace

Hope can move us from bitterness to blessing

Hope can lift us from tragedy to triumph

Hope can push us from suicide to salvation

 

We sing the song sometimes: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness … On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

You've Got the CLUE!