PURPOSE RESIDES IN PRESSURE
Amid the recurrent problems, pains
and pressures of daily life, it is rather easy to succumb to anxiety, worry, fear,
and even depression. However, I am in
possession of a personal prescription that is a sure-fire remedy for troubled
times. Whenever I feel situationally challenged
or overwhelmed, my heart always leads me to “THE ROCK that is higher than I.” (Psalm
61:2) Typically, this redirection of my
spirit is accomplished through conscientious participation in prayer, praise and
the power that is present in the Word of God.
One of my favorite scripture
passages serves well in this occasional need to refocus:
Romans 8:28-31 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also
predestined to be conformed
to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these
He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified,
these He also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these
things? If God is for us, who [or what] can be against us?
We must never forget: Purpose always resides in pressure.
Therefore, any situation which seems
completely incidental, coincidental, haphazard or problematic is likely the providential
outer shell of divine destiny. Pay
attention. Phenomenal possibilities frequently
emerge from irritating conditions. If
you have difficulty believing this, check out the oyster that produced a
priceless pearl from an unlikely grain of sand, or the brilliant diamond that
sprang forth from meager substances and pressurized conditions.
The following story by an unknown
author captures the undeniable truth that GOD stands by us (always) as “a very present help in
trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 – Matthew 28:20)
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The only survivor of a shipwreck was
washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God
to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but
none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he
eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to
protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to
find his little hut engulfed in flames, with the smoke rolling upwards in the
sky. The worst thing possible had
happened, and everything was lost. The
man was stunned with grief and anger. “God,
how could you do this to me!” he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by
the sound of a ship approaching the island.
It had arrived to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” inquired the
weary man of the smiling sailors. “We
saw your smoke signal,” they replied.
It is so easy to get discouraged when things are going
bad. But we shouldn’t lose heart,
because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and
suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to
the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of
God.
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Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
And
let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we
do not lose heart.
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