how do i handle pressure?

now i want us to look at some common life tests that GOD uses to develop our faith. chances are you’re in one of these tests right now. whether you are or not, i guarantee you, over your life you will go through these tests over and over again. and when you go through them you can know, “this is an opportunity for me to develop my faith so i can trust GOD more so HE can bless my life more.”

now the first of these life tests is the pressure test and it asks the question, "how will i handle stress?" will i depend on myself or will i depend on GOD? will i turn to other things or will i turn to GOD?

psalm 50:15 (lb), I want you to trust ME in your times of trouble so I can rescue you and you can give ME glory. GOD says, I want you to turn to ME when you’re in trouble, not to other things.

do we do that? no. we usually have GOD about number nine or ten on the list. we turn to everything else first to relieve stress before we turn to GOD. some of you say, “when i get under stress i know what i need. i need one of those little pills. i go to my medicine cabinet and get that little pill and then i won’t be stressed.” no. and it doesn’t last.

“i know what i’ll do. i’m all tense and nervous and stressed out by my problems. i’ll call a friend and complain about my problems.” you call a friend and talk on the phone and complain about all the stress in your life, hang up, and you’re still under stress.

“i know what i’ll do! i’ll make some nachos!” so you make some nachos and nuke them in the microwave and you eat them all and when you’re through your tummy’s full but you still have the same problems and you’re still stressed.

“i know what i’ll do. i’ll go shopping. when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.” or if you’re a guy you say, “i know what i’ll do. i’ll set down and watch a game on tv. or i’ll work out or something.”

we all have our own little stress relievers. and along about ninth or tenth place comes GOD. but GOD says, I want you to turn to ME. when you’re under stress, this is a test.

you have legitimate needs in your life that needs to be met. the problem is you get in a hurry. if GOD doesn’t instantly meet that need, you make up your own plan. and you try to meet your own needs yourself.

we do this all the time. we short-circuit GOD’s will, GOD’s blessing in our lives by going for the quick fix, the cheap thrill, the instant hit, the quick relief that’s temporary – a little temporary fix. but we do it all the time. we don’t wait for GOD’s will in our lives.

just a thought from the front porch…