Can You Stand the Pressure?

I remember talking with someone about the difficulties they were having in their relationship with someone else. They were fed up; exhausted. As they continued to talk it became clear that they couldn't see themselves working with another Christian brother one more day. At the end of their comments they looked at me seemingly for confirmation that they were justified in their conclusion. Yet, the Holy Spirit caused me to see that if they were to accomplish the things that God had ordained for them to accomplish, they would have to be able to withstand much more pressure than they were currently facing.

With as much love as I could muster I told them, "You know God has a lot for you to do and you're not even half way through your journey. Much of what He has for you to do will take much more strength than this. On a scale of 1 to 10, the trouble you're describing is a 4. If you can't handle a 4, how on earth are you going to be able to handle anything higher?"

Years later they would tell me that my comments made them angry, but it helped them to recognize that they had somehow failed to realize that God was using the pressure of that situation to test the determination and resolve of their faith. Today, as I consider what I shared with that person back then, I'm reminded that just three weeks ago I too was struggling with trouble that was a mere 3 or 4 on a scale of 1 - 10. So now I'm asking myself, "Am I strong enough to withstand the pressure?"

Like a heavy-weight boxer whose been hit punch after punch, blow after blow, some of us feel like our legs are weak, our eyes are swollen shut and we're staggering trying with all our might to stay standing until we hear the bell signaling the end of this round. Maybe then we can take a rest in the corner, drink some water, compose ourselves, hear some words of encouragement that will spur us on to swing back in the next round. It's at times like these that some of us may be asking ourselves, "Am I really strong enough to withstand the pressure?"

Naturally my answer is an emphatic, "YES!" What about you? Are you determined to overcome the adversity you may be facing? Chime in and let me know your thoughts.