Encouragement for Today - Mar. 3, 2009

March 3, 2009

Goodness Under Pressure

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”

Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

Devotion:

I didn’t know it then, but before my husband’s accident, God already had a plan to care for me. I was far along into my pregnancy with my first child when my dad approached Porter and me with a heartfelt concern. With a new baby on the way, Dad advised us to invest in life insurance. It was a great idea, but we just couldn’t afford it. Under the circumstances, Dad felt compelled to pay the premium until we could pay it ourselves. Porter accepted. Little did we know what the future held. Just two short weeks later, Porter tragically died. What would my son and I do now that our sole provision for food, shelter, and clothing was gone? The pressure was on as I tried to make sense of it all.

Sometimes God allows us to become pressured - not to terrify us or cause us undue pain but to purify our character. It’s interesting that God uses pressure in our lives this way. In the same manner, pressure is what makes a diamond pretty, precious, and priceless. Diamonds are treasured stones that many desire. God wants you and me to become His treasured stones that shine with His glory. He uses the pressures in our lives to create in us a thing of rare beauty that many desire. When we allow the stress of life to purify our nature, we permit God to work for good and His glory.

Just when I thought I had to put my newborn son in daycare and find a job, it happened. It was nothing short of a miracle. It was God at His finest. Although the life insurance policy had only been signed two weeks before the accident and was still in the probation period, the company decided to honor it. Because of God’s goodness, I was able to stay home with my son for a while longer. Sure, the pressure of my trail was hard, but learning to lean on God’s goodness had its rewards. I saw a promise come to pass, my character and faith were sharpened, and I had the privilege of experiencing God at work in my life.

It may be different for you. God’s goodness under pressure may show up in a job offer that you weren’t expecting. It may be as simple as someone buying you dinner or offering to baby-sit so you can have some time to yourself. Whatever the form, it’s His goodness showering you with care in your time of distress. Acknowledging these acts of kindness, which flow from God’s heart, builds our character and our faith. Before we know it, our life shines with the brilliance of a diamond that draws others to our God. And that, my friend, is a good thing.

Dear Lord, sometimes my stress feels so heavy I think I can’t go on. I have no breath or life left in me. But Your Word says that You make me lie down in green pastures. And Your goodness and love will follow after me. Oh, how Your Word refreshes my soul and renews my spirit. Be my strength; be my rest; be my ever-present help under pressure. With You, I can make it through. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears by Micca Campbell

His Princess: Love Letters from Your Prince By Sherri Shepherd

Visit Micca’s blog

Application Steps:

Recall each and every time God has shown goodness to you under pressure. Thank Him by writing out a prayer, song or poem. Keep it so that the next time you find yourself under stress, you can trust and watch for a sign of goodness.

Reflections:

What causes you the most stress: home, job, raising kids, etc.?

How do you lean on God’s mercy during times of pressure?

How can trusting God with your stress bring peace to your life?

Power Verses:

Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (NIV)

Psalm 23:2, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,” (NIV)

Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105