Although there is no such word as “stressings”, there is the reality of “stress”, and everybody, from believers to non-believers, feels it! So when someone says, “I’m too blessed to be stressed”, they are really avowing their strength and purpose in Christ does not allow them to be overwhelmed by “overwhelm”.
But even that sentiment may be a stretch. The deeper question is, How do believers handle “overwhelm”, the feeling that one’s life events are exceeding one’s capacity to handle said events?
The answer points to Scripture. In Corinthians 4:8, Paul writes, We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair…” The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about overwhelm; he was shipwrecked, homeless, and hungry, imprisoned and finally met martyrdom.
In the modern century, things are not quite as tough for us as brother Paul experienced, but we still have our challenges. The pandemic has thrust upon us a whole new set of circumstances that can be summed up in one word: stress!
Believers experience stress no less than non-believers. Believers lose jobs, suffer grief and loss, experience soured relationships, and financial difficulties perhaps at even greater levels than non-believers. As a result of stress, we experience many health-related maladies, including lower back pain, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses.
What’s the difference: grace!
We experience life’s calamities, we are “hard pressed” and “perplexed” but we have been afforded a measure of grace for each day and every experience.
So, the “stressings” of life lead us to the blessings of grace. God says “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
It is important that we as believers are intentional in the way we handle stress. Use bible-based affirmations; spend time with God; and stay connected to other believers. Above all, live in the victory which the death, burial and resurrection of Christ has achieved for us!
Scripture says, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (Psalms 34:5) We do not have to become the stress we are experiencing. We do not have to look like what we have are going through.
Be encouraged! God is still with you. His goodness and mercy are afresh each day.
Pastor C.
Download my newest book, Watch Your Life: The Believer’s Guide to Thinking, Speaking and Acting Confidently in a Belief-Challenged World. Available at: www.pastorwericcroomes.com