How Do We Respond to Pressure? …Hello weekend readers. This devotion is one that many of us need to stop and get away from the pressure-cooker that seems to bind us constantly until we just want to give up! But that is not what God wants for us. So here is a good story that you can take it to your mind and soul…

The famous nineteenth century missionary to China was James Hudson Taylor. He shared some powerful words that apply well to the situation we are facing in our world today. He said: “It doesn’t matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies, whether it comes between me and God or whether it presses me nearer to His heart.”

Hudson Taylor is regarded as one of the most “important and influential missionaries of all time.” He was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission. Taylor visited and lived in China over a period of 51 years! He was a man of faith and he had no problem sharing the power of the Lord to anyone. His years in China spread out even more to other countries. He knew the heart-ache of people in tough times.

Today, Hudson would say the same thing to you and me: “Don’t let the pressure-cooker burst your faith. Hang on to God who will keep you in peace, give you hope, and find the joy God wants for you.”

In this crazy world today, we find ourselves often wondering what is going on and why. For me, a few minutes watching the news is enough to tell me that this world is a heated-up pressure-cooker—and it seems about to burst. So, the question to ask ourselves is this:

1) How are you responding to the pressure?
2) Is it pushing you from God or nearer to God’s heart?
2) Have you sat down with God and asked for help in your failing, trust, and trials?

The Apostle John in 16:33 (using the The Passion Testament) gives us the words we need and the peace we look for in our lives: “And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world, you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!”

Nothing in all of history has ever caught God off-guard. From the dawn of creation to the fall of Rome and everything since, God has been and will forever be King over all. So, while the whole world is losing their heads in a panic, you can keep yours—knowing that Christ has overcome. And in his name, you can be a lighthouse of hope for a dark and stormy world!

Let’s step into the world that needs the love of Christ. Let’s be that person who will share for those who are struggling with fear and anxiety. Let’s be that person who will shut down the pressure-cooker and be the voice of strength and hope.

O Lord, help me to shine the light of the Gospel and embrace the confidence that you have given to me so I can share your love and hope with others, AMEN.