How do you respond to life’s challenges? Are you someone who rises to the occasion, or do you crumble in fear? Conflict is “two objects attempting to occupy the same space at the same time,” (from the Latin words con, meaning “together,” and fligere, meaning “to strike”). It presents us with an opportunity to either respond in strength or weakness. Solomon noted: “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Proverbs 24:10). In pressing times, God will empower us to make a wise choice.
Pressure can be continuous physical force or the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something within a limited amount of time. The weight of intensity might exude from our parents, our spouse, our employer, our customer, our teacher, or our coach. Unfortunately, many of us unduly place this stress on ourselves. When faced with multiple tasks accompanied by looming deadlines, our heart races; our blood pressure skyrockets; our body temperature increases; our sweat glands flow; and our vocabulary, gestures, facial expressions, body posture, and tone of voice begin to spiral downward in a fashion dishonoring to God. The next item added to our list takes us to the boiling point that increases our emotional temperature from 211 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, as we blow off steam to those around us. However, God offers a different way.
The Apostle Paul revealed the secret to contentment: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Contentment literally means, “to be held together.” We can accomplish every task, master every challenge, and manage every conflict through Christ the Peace of God who restores us with the energy, enthusiasm, and endurance to be effective, regardless of the circumstance.
Review your calendar and to do list. Ask God to help you make each appointment and every task an act of worship. Surrender every moment to Him as He uses your life to serve others, faithfully administering His grace and peace to advance the heart of Christ in every person you encounter.
Episode 100: 30 Sayings of the Wise – Failure from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.