Pressed But Not Crushed Series

We must see stress as an enemy. The bird has an avoidance mechanism. We can never be happy after settling all our problems. Stressful circumstances will always come, we have a lot of opportunity to be stressed out, but we need to avoid them with wisdom.

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.

2 Corinthians 4:8 AMP We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair.

This scripture says just because trouble is there it does not mean you have to be stressed by it. You can be right in the midst of trouble but not be stressed out by it.

John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

AMP Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). Trust God, rely on God.

Do not let… that means I have the ability to cause trouble to my heart. Jesus has already given us the joy but I decide if my heart is troubled. How do you keep your heart out of trouble? Believe God.

Trusting God is like a tree. It is committed to be there no matter what the weather, hot, cold, drought, flood, snow the tree is there. We need to trust God no matter what happens, decide to be with God.

I have been diagnosed with a sickness – I will believe God.

Things are not working out for me – I will trust God.

Somebody say - I trust God. So my heart is not in trouble.

Matthew 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Jesus said, “See that you not be troubled.” God is telling, things will be against you, you may face wars, problems in the family, your health but you see to it that you will not be troubled.

Trust in God when such things happen. Speak to that problem, speak to your situation by faith and say I will not be troubled I will trust God. You do not have to be stressed because God is in control over every of your situation.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 AMP I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

Peace comes from what Jesus has spoken. In your pressure, in your trouble do not be stressed but hear from Jesus as you pray. Hear from Jesus as you read His words, you will have peace.

Conclusion: Stress in a home is like sand to machinery. Pressure and tension can rob the joy and love of a home but if we have wisdom, we can avoid stress. Wisdom to laugh, wisdom to be content, wisdom to avoid anger. Then the Bible says ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ So if we need to live happy, stress and tension free, we need to fear God and be with God every day.