There are two types of pressure. The pressure to be conformed to the world’s mold. God’s pressure that conforms us to be like Jesus. Neither are pleasant.
Romans 12:2 TPT “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.”
Romans 12:2 NIV “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Why does God allow pressure?
Can’t God just lift off the pressure and make our problems go away? Of course, God could make all our problems go away but then we would be like the children of Israel in the desert. We wouldn’t grow spiritually and receive God’s promises. God uses pressure to reveal cracks in our faith and Christian beliefs. God’s pressure never is intended to destroy us or crush us.
God wants us to be fruitful and receive all His promises. But just like you don’t let a nine-year-old drive a car, God needs to train you to be able to handle God’s blessings. If you refuse to go through the training and just drive the car then you are headed for a wreck that could kill you or others.
Hebrews 12:4-13 NIV “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
God wants you to have all the Jesus died for you to have. There is not only eternal life but an inheritance for God’s kids. Think of it this way. When you went to first grade, it was scary. By the end of the first year, you could print your name and numbers. You were so excited that you could do these new things. Then you go to second grade and discover there is so much more to learn. God is always pushing us to learn more because we are His kids. Look at how many times the apostles failed but Jesus never gave up on them. Jesus hasn’t given up on us either. But we need to be willing to walk through times of pressure and not knowing our next step.
Your God’s Kid!
Jesus paid the price for us to be God’s kids. How far we go depends on our willingness to step out in faith when we can’t hear God or see a clear path. Are you willing to go a different path than your friends? There are times when God wants to break off the old wineskins. This is one of those seasons where past steps to victories may not work in this time frame. Learning to step out of the boat and walk on water towards Jesus takes a new mindset. A new mindset requires seeing beyond our limitations and taking a daily step towards the new path. New paths may cause us to lose some friendships but open up new connections for greater opportunities.
In my fifty years of walking with God, I have never felt so much pressure. I am only seeing one step at a time which is very hard for an organizer than loves to be prepared. But I am willing to endure because I know God loves me and has good plans for my life, just like He does for you!
The Remnant Army!
God has a remnant group of people who are willing to die to self to brings God’s kingdom on earth. If you are reading this, I believe you are part of that remnant. There is a backbone of strength that pushes you forward even when you want to quit. There is a dissatisfaction that causes you to be hungry for more of God. You don’t settle. It is an odd place of being at rest in God’s love but dissatisfied with the status quo. You know, in your heart, there is more of God’s kingdom and you want it. You look around and see religious people satisfied while you are hungry. You are not alone. God has a whole group of people that are willing to pay the price for more.
This is what I feel is happening to the remnant. We are going through basic training like I did in the United States AirForce in the 1970’s. Yes, I am old but feisty veteran. Basic training was to reprogram us from civilian life to military life. The military has different agendas and goals than civilians. We were trained to go to war. That meant we had to become a unit that worked together. You lived in open barracks, marched together, and formed relationships from all different people groups and backgrounds. What kept you from fighting each other was the mission.
God is now gathering a remnant group of people and allowing them to go through this season of pressure to prepare us for what is up ahead. We will be focused on God’s kingdom and not our own agendas. We will walk side by side as God’s kids. Leaders will be raised up that seeks God’s will above their own needs and ministries. Instead of leaders just dictating instructions they will be more like orchestra conductors pointing out which instrument takes the lead. This will allow the Body of Christ to use their gifts. This type of leadership will open many doors to opportunities for everyone to be used by the Lord. Titles will lose their prideful influence, and God’s kids will walk as on military unit with Jesus as the Leader.
Prayer
Father God,
Help! This pressure has been crushing but I know you are producing new wine. I ask for Your grace, wisdom, and strength to become a new wineskin for this new season. Holy Spirit, help me to see through God’s view and comfort me as I willing choose God’s best for me. Jesus, lead me into victory to bring Your kingdom on earth. Remove the things that are not needed for this next journey. Help me let go of all that would hinder me from Your best path. I am willing to be willing to walk through this transition. Thank You all for not giving up on me!
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