Handling Pressures
Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 128 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handling Pressures
Handling Pressures
As we encounter the stresses of everyday life, we would do well to review and meditate on the portions of scripture just covered in the section “Our Victory.” However, we should also be aware that most believers will encounter times of heavy stress or pressure during different periods in their lives. Most often these times of pressure are brought about through everyday events or circumstances; but sometimes these “pressures” are spiritual in origin. As we grow and mature in God, the opposition from the enemy also increases.
*47. What question does Jeremiah ask about the would-be-warrior who has a hard time contending with the footmen?
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
*48. What does he ask about the person who is seemingly overwhelmed during a time of peace?
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
The Apostle Paul went through times of pressure during his ministry; He describes some of these times in II Corinthians 4:8 & 9.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
What was Paul’s response to the 4 following conditions?
49. troubled on every side
50. perplexed
51. persecuted
52. cast down
*53. What is the blessing mentioned by Paul in II Cor. 4:10 that comes to those who bear the dying of the Lord Jesus in their lives?
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
One important verse to remember is I Corinthians 10:13 in which God promises not to put more on us than we can bear.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
*54. Memorize I Cor. 10:13 and then write it here from memory.
*55. What is the promise of God that is given to the righteous in Psalm 34:19 even in the midst of affliction?
Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
But the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
*56. What are the promised blessings to those who learn to wait upon the Lord? Isa. 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles;
They shall run, and not be weary;
And they shall walk, and not faint.
The following are suggestions which may help a person during times of stress:
1. We need to set priorities which will mean that we must often learn to say no to people and to circumstances.
*57. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 6:33?
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
2. The believer cannot continue to work and serve 24 hours a day 7 days a week without rest. At times he needs to separate himself from work and circumstances for a time of rest.
*58. What did God do on the 7th day after creation? Gen. 2:2
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
*59. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do in Mark 6:31?
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
3. Often after a time of vacation or days off one is just as tired and un-refreshed as before; when this happens, usually the Lord has not been involved in the recreational process. One not only should separate himself from daily activities, but he must also separate himself unto the Lord.
*60. When the apostles were going through a stressful time after John the Baptist had been killed, what did they do?
And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
*61. Jesus desires to be our refreshment, our strength and our life. What invitation does He extend to all who are weary?
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
*62. What promise does Jesus give to all who bear His yoke and learn of Him?
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
4. Find a time and a place where you can be alone with God. This can be in your prayer closet, taking a walk, traveling in your automobile... wherever you can fellowship and commune with Him. Meditate a few moments on the promise of a verse of scripture. Remember He is in control! Our living God sits on His throne as King of Kings!
*63. What did the Psalmist call his place of refuge when he was alone with God?
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
*64. After a time of ministering or service, prayer is essential in restoring our strength and spiritual power.
Read Isaiah 40:29-31 and then write out verse 31 in your own words.
*65. What did Jesus do after feeding the 5000?
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
Perhaps the best way to handle the pressures of life is not to allow them to demand too much of ourselves, but let these pressures push us toward Jesus.
Let them press us so close to Him that we become one with Him. Let His strength be our strength and His life our life.