The power of pressure is profound. Scientifically, “Pressure is defined to be the amount of force exerted per area.”[1] There are many different types of pressure, examples being atmospheric pressure, barometric pressure, vacuum pressure and gauge pressure. Recently, as I was driving my car a sensor came on. It was my tire—the gauge pressure sensor—that needed immediate attention. For some unknown reason there was a dramatic change in my tire pressure. The sensor gives me the privilege to know in advance that there is a potential problem. The change in my tire pressure was a forewarning that my tire could go flat. In order to rectify the potential problem of getting a flat tire, I had to become a part of the solution and get my tire fixed.
Today there are pressures all around us. In every area of life it seems that force is being exerted to bring about a dramatic change. The socio-economic, cultural, scientific and political alerts that problems will occur are clear. As a result, we experience pressure on our jobs, in our homes, at our schools, with our finances, in politics, in society, and in our world. Yet, despite these overwhelming challenges, the Bible has been our spiritual sensor. God’s Word alerts us that these pressures will come and problems will occur (Matt. 24). So God uses pressure with precision. There is a purpose in God’s pressure. God uses pressure to make us wary of a problem, and then in His wisdom prepare us to be part of the solution.
The apostle Paul understood and encouraged others in this concept. In 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV) Paul says, “We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair.” In this powerful exhortation, Paul shared with the church in Corinth that while we are afflicted, crushed, and at times perplexed by the pressures of life, we are not defeated. As believers we will face problems, pressures and trials. “But we must remember that God controls trials and uses them to strengthen His people. God’s glory is manifest through broken vessels, through people who endure troubles by relying on His power.”[2] Therefore ultimately, there is not only a just purpose but also a privilege in our pressures. Through our pressures and problems, God gives us a forewarning. In our trials He gets the glory as we rely wholly on His power. We are used as vessels to give comfort, counsel and solutions to ourselves and others. Under pressure, we become God’s hands and feet. So the next time your life becomes overwhelming and your personal or public pressure sensor comes on, do not be dismayed. Let God show His power through you. You become the solution to others when you understand and share the privilege of pressure.
[1] “What is Pressure.” Khan Academy. Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/fluids/density-and-pressure/a/pressure-article. Accessed on October 15, 2020.
[2] [2] Earl D. Radmacher, Th. D., The Nelson Study Bible, (Nashville; Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 1949.