Paul often faced difficult challenges and pressures, but God made him victorious as he trusted God to be his strength.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul was hindered by people who were working diligently to obstruct his life and ministry. Pressure had become so intense he besought the Lord three times for this 'Thorn in the Flesh' to depart from him. While God couldn't stop Satan from influencing people to obstruct Paul, He could pour on His power and strength to enable Paul to handle the situation.
God's response to Paul's prayer in verse 9:
IIn other words God said to Paul "I will take care of the rest, for my strength is made perfect in your being challenged to handle the situation."
A literal translation of verse 9 is;
And the Lord said to me "My devine favor is to be of use to you because my inherent power is consumated (made complete) in your action when you are hindered."
Many times we are faced with obstacles caused by people or circumstances that bring intense pressures to our lives. God's grace is sufficient for us too. His grace is made complete in every detail in us in action. When obstacles arise our action upon God's Word allows God to go to work for us. His grace makes us strong with His strength.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
The more we grow in God's Word the more we grow in our trust and confidence toward God.
2 Corinthians 4:6-8
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
The word stress is not used in the bible, but God's Word does tell us how to deal with distress, if we hold tight to God's Word the situation we face will not close in so deeply that we are overcome and defeated. As we remain peaceful and keep digging for God'a solution He is always there to make a way where there seems to be no way. Our action allows Him to go to work for us. One of the primary reasons people become over stressed is that they feel like they're losing control over their lives. The adversay is a master of illusions, he loves to surround us with situations to try and trick us into thinking we're losing control. It's all a lie, we will not lose a grip on our life as long as we keep a grip on God and His Word.
Psalms 118: 5-6
I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
David called upon God in distress, God answered him with deliverence. The Lord is on our side don't let anyone or anything talk you out of that truth.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such 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.
One common temptation in claiming victory over pressure is settling for a self made escape rather than trusting the Father for a God made escape. Self made escapes are based on sense knowledge and reason outside the scriptures and cannot bring the genuine deliverance that God can. God promises that whatever the temptation He'll make away to escape. He'll have the answer as you keep looking to Him. Since we're going to believe in something why not believe God and His Word.
Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God is our shelter, our protection from danger. He is always with us to help, protect and rescue us.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; (to look around for help) for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou diamayed: (broken and faint hearted) for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
A literal translation is;
Hold fast remain firm in your mind, do not be filled with anxiety or apprehension for the Lord your God is with you always, He will not leave or withdraw from you
Isn't God such an awesome loving, tender and patient Father. Walk out on God's Word and claim those promises he has set before us.
God Bless and keep you.
He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.
His loving heart knows how much and how long.
