Are you being pushed in means and ways beyond your limits? Is getting by with life harder and harder each day? Are you simply tired?
You most probably are and have been at some point that’s why this topic appealed to you. Let me first encourage you that even Jesus experienced stress. And even if looking around, others seem to just be having the time of their life, living la vida loca and dancing in the moonlight; in this human race, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
This entry was inspired by Jesus being crowded upon people lost, wanting to be healed or released from evil spirits as they hear Him passing by. Jesus and his disciples continued their ministry/work even to the point of missing meals.
Allow me to share with you 4 ways God impressed upon my heart as ways on how to approach stress:
Examine Yourself. Go back to basics. Who are you today and who were you before?
Before you resort to quitting your job, are you sure you have completely learned the ropes? Can you confidently say that you’re a better manager, consultant or cook now than when you first started this job? Would you be leaving a legacy to those people who witnessed this phase in your life?
In terms of character, are you in line with God’s purpose for this occurrence? Are you being salt and light to the people around you? Would Jesus be pleased with your reactions? Keep in mind, your response is your responsibility.
Spend Quality time with God. Pamper yourself in His Presence.
Meditate upon His Word and character. The Bible tells us that Jesus spends a lot of quality, alone time with His Father “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
During His most stressful time, when He was about to be crucified to pay the price for your sins and mine, he prayed earnestly and unceasingly that His sweat turned into blood.
“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:44
The personal relationship you have with your Savior is vitally important as we see:
“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go” – Abraham Lincoln
“I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it” – John Wesley
Face Your Giant. (From the book “Be All You Can Be” by John Maxwell)
David, being steadfast in his faith, grounded by the purpose to defend his Lord and King ready with his sling and stones, faced Goliath alone. Without the applause from the crowd or receiving encouragements from them but instead criticisms and ridicule.
When life pushes you around, be prepared to be alone. You have to put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Ephesians 6:11
The crowd’s eyes will always be watching how you respond as a child of God.
Remember Love is Patient. (From the book, ‘A Love Worth Giving’ by Max Lucado)
Above everything else, beyond all that was said about love, love is first and foremost, patient.
Only when you have fully understood the insurmountable amount of debt you have and how God painfully yet willingly paid for it, can you extend a little patience… patience to wait for the results of a big exam, patience to wait for the return call of job interview, patience to work with a nerve-wrecking boss/ colleague or patience to just smile at the next reckless bus driver in Edsa.
God has to be your power source. “We love because He first lvoed us.” – 1John 4:19
And then you can extend patience as you practice Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”.
And claim Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
We know that these things are easier said than done. But I urge you to take that leap of faith to follow through the tips recommended and see how it works for you. Perhaps the Mighty Orchestrator purposely brought you to this site that you may come to Him, where the “yoke is easy and the burden is light.” – Matthew 11:30
“Pray as if everything depended on God, and work as if everything depended upon man.”-Francis J. Spellman
Do your part. Be stretched for His Glory… then let go! Let God be God!
