[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h4″]A sure sign of the end times, is perilous times of great stress and trouble. And truthfully, a certain amount of stress is common to life! In fact, a certain amount of pressure is necessary to tune a guitar for example, and a person. But the stress and pressure of these last days, and the avenues the devil is taking to wear out God’s people, is beyond the everyday stress and strain of life.[/x_custom_headline]
To survive the pressures of the last days, you must learn to see the Greater One in you. In fact, we must see Jesus inside of us as much, much bigger than the people putting pressure on us, or those circumstances which are causing us stress. Because if we don’t, we will either be held back by end-time pressure, or we will find ourselves among those who have allowed stress and difficulties in life to cause their ruin and defeat.
We are in the time when evil people have become more and more prominent. Sometimes much of our day is spent dealing with mean, rude, nasty, vulgar people who no longer have any respect for themselves, let alone anyone else. So instead of being beaten up by the days we live in, or being overcome by the sheer weight of the burdens of our time, what are some things that we should do?
Well, certainly among the first things you must determine to do is continue to be faithful in the things that you have learned from the Word of God. Because when pressure hits, most people are tempted to back off from the very things that are their answer and their pressure release. Trust me, you don’t need a church break or a Word break. You must stay with what God says in His Word until the pressure lifts.
This is what Paul wrote to Timothy:
[x_blockquote cite=”2 Timothy 3:12-14 NASU” type=”left”]“12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them.”[/x_blockquote]
Something else you must do at all costs is to guard your heart. When you start getting squeezed and drained by the hassles of the day, it is easy to allow your heart to get cluttered with things that will only serve to hinder you.
[x_blockquote cite=”Proverbs 4:23 NASU” type=”left”]“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”[/x_blockquote]
Your answer for overcoming stress and pressure filled times is going to come out of your spirit. This is why guarding your heart is so vitally important at all times.
The real strength of living an overcoming life will come from out of your spirit.
And this is why you must continue to fill your heart with the Word of God by continuing in the things you already know to do. Your answers have been deposited inside of your spirit from the Word of God. So this is why you must live out of your spirit, instead of your circumstances.
In addition, praise and worship are essential for staying strong in your spirit. [highlight]There is power and strength and stamina that comes to those who have a lifestyle of worship and praise.[/highlight] Those who are not worshippers are usually easily discouraged and frustrated, and often feel completely defeated by the pressures of the last days.
Also, when you spend time praying in the Holy Ghost you will edify your spirit man, which will greatly aid you in overcoming stress and pressure (Jude 20). It is also something the Lord has provided to us to provide us rest when we become weary from the battles of life.
[x_blockquote cite=”Isiah 28:11-12 KJV” type=”left”]“11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”[/x_blockquote]
One definition of the word “rest” means freedom from outside disturbances. Satan makes trouble by using outside forces and outside disturbances to get us into stress. However, resting in God means that you’ve put your confidence in His ability to bring you into victory and to completely deliver you from the stress and pressure you are facing today.
When you’re in legal trouble, you call a lawyer. When you’re in health trouble, you call a doctor. But we must learn to call upon God in all times of trouble, and times of great stress and pressure is part of that. And we must do this because He has our answer. He knows the way to escape it all.
[highlight]Deliverance belongs to you as a child of God.[/highlight] And the good news is that the Lord has already provided for you all that is necessary to overcome stress and pressure, and live in the joy of the Lord.