Pressure, Under Pressure.
No, I am not talking about the song from David Bowie and Queen (which by the way, on a separate note, has one of the best intros and beats of all time – again just my opinion!!!).
We all face pressure every day. Whether it is regarding family, workload, responsibilities, etc. Some actually enjoy having pressure on them because it may allow them to be more focused and driven for a result.
In the Epistle reading today, St. Paul shares with us the challenges that came in this life (as followers of Christ). He uses the words “hard-pressed”, “perplexed”, “persecuted”, “struck down”.
As we face these daily battles, and come face to face with the following: discouragement, deception, defeat. We are NOT TO GIVE UP as we have someone with us, our Lord and Savior!
When we go through these difficult times and we feel that there is no one around to help – RESPOND IN PRAYER – and in that prayer to God be honest with Him.
You are a Family Member of His!
You are His child!
He loves you!
Despite the appearance of a defeat, God’s promises of heavenly victory remain true. Temporary suffering cannot diminish eternal rewards, as again we hear from St. Paul “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” Romans 8:18
During difficult and desperate times, reach out and feel closer to God. Draw on His Strength, which is much stronger than anything else. Whether you have fallen from a situation, remember our Lord is there to help you to be back into the fight!
If Christ is in your life, of course you will get knocked down, but you WILL NEVER GET KNOCKED OUT!
Reflection:
Do I trust God during the darkest moments of my life?
Do I ask Him to display His power through me during those difficult times?
When I get knocked down from situations in this life, do I look for the Lord to pick me up?
Do I see Him through other individuals who are there offering their help?
Even though God may not do what I want Him to do, do I understand and know He always offers His best to/for me?
