Blinded by the Immediate
by Jeanne Rogers
"I follow close behind you. Your strong right
hand holds me securely." (Psalm 63:8)
Recently a young pastor was reunited with a good friend from his childhood. Both of them felt called to the ministry and began preaching at the age of sixteen. Both grew in their passion and commitment to Christ during high school years, even as their friends stopped attending church and serving God.
At a reunion, the pastor discovered his preaching buddy no longer had anything to do with God. His friend had faced tremendous pressures in his life and ministry after their callings took them separate ways. In reality, both preachers had faced painful pressure, but one was blessed with a fruitful ministry, and the other discovered he couldn’t live and walk in the principles of God when the pressures came.
The kingdom of God doesn’t promise a life without pressure. In fact, pressure-free living is called “death.” Jesus prayed with such agony facing His trials that He sweat drops of blood. The pressure He experienced from the outside world sent Him into intimate communion in Gethsemane, but the pressure He felt on the inside pushed Him to affirm His commitment and face His mission.
Most people are disoriented with change and pressure. They prefer things to remain the same. However, each season of life brings new levels of challenge, and the pressure can be intense. We must see pressure as our preparation and an opportunity build the character we will need for our next mission. James 1:2-4 teaches that when we endure trials, we develop character and we will be ready for anything.
Pressure also produces the leverage we need to push past the temptations of sin. When we respond correctly, pressure pushes us through the times when we want to quit.
God is faithful. He will keep the temptations from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against them. Scripture assures us that He will show you a way out of temptation. The Word of God is your spiritual leverage, and it is the tool that He uses in the midst of pressure to conform you to His image.
People tend to blame God when they are blinded by the immediate stress of life’s challenges and changes. Pressure expands and disrupts us, but if we let the Lord lift us into His perspective we can see beyond the immediate problem. It can actually put us in a special and secure place with God.
Satan’s evil, present force in the earth wants to destroy our Godly perspective. Sometimes, the devil seizes the opportunity when we make poor choices, but God is merciful and forgiving. He desires to change us and equip us for Kingdom work. He may choose to change the circumstances immediately, but His greater desire is to keep you in a trust relationship with Him.
This Week
Don’t be blinded by the immediate problem and pressed to the point of giving up. Allow God use his tools of pressure to change you for the next season of your destiny.
Prayer
"God I know you have a different view of what I am facing. I don’t want to be a drop out. Build the needed character in me and renew my mind through this situation with Your word. I let go of my perspective and allow you to lift me up to see yours."
