Pressure!

This is a word we Trinis use a lot when things get rough, or when something happens totally unexpectedly. There is a specific tone that goes with it too. Something like preeeeeeeshah!!!! I wish you could hear it.

When we face unexpected events, or experience trials that totally throw us off guard, we must try and not let it get us down or make us give up on life.

The pressures of life can help us grow if we allow it. They make us stronger, and most importantly, help us become more dependent on God and less on ourselves.

The bible tells us, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world”.

I Peter 1:6-7 NLT

We learn, we grow, we mature through our life experiences. Our faith increases and remains strong. We become who God wants us to be and allows us to carry out his work without fear.

Being an introvert, I use to be afraid of people. I avoided social settings where there were going to be a lot of people around. Being in situations where I had to interact with a lot of people caused me a lot of stress and anxiety. Pressure!

But a lot of my life experiences have helped me to let go of some of that fear. I am still somewhat socially awkward, but I try to be more open and approachable to people. This allows me to tell my story and how much God has done for me.

The next time you are under pressure, stop! Pray and ask God to help you through. Learn the lessons it teaches you. Let pressure refine, not define you.

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up. This week’s prompt is the word PRESSURE.