What To Do Under Pressure - Soul Choice Ministries

Have you ever been under so much pressure that you feel completely overwhelmed? Circumstances and trials can take a toll on us if we allow them. How we respond to difficulties makes the difference. Trials can bring out the best or the worst in us.

As Christians, we often think that if we are not repeatedly falling back into sin, then we are living in obedience to God. Most likely, we are living in obedience to the extent that we have understanding from God’s word.

When we are under pressure or facing challenges, one of the first things we should determine is whether the trial was caused by our poor decisions, by the devil, or whether it is a test from God.

Be sure to listen to our three-part teaching series at soulchoiceministries.org titled Does God Test You? You will find these teachings under the “watch” header. We go into detail on how to recognize a test from God.

Today, let’s focus on trials caused by our poor decisions and our lack of knowledge. We are going to share two true accounts. We will not use real names, but we share these examples to encourage each of us to examine our own lives. We can all be tempted to disobey God’s instruction, so let us remain humble and consider ourselves.

first true account

Jeff reached out to us because he was having financial difficulties. We shared instruction from the Bible and encouraged him to do what God instructed. One instruction was to pray and speak God’s promises over his life.

It takes time to find promises in the Bible that apply to our personal situation, but it is well worth the effort. It also takes time to meditate on those promises so they build faith in our hearts.

Several years passed, and his financial situation continued to deteriorate.

We noticed two areas where he refused to obey God. His words became increasingly negative and contrary to God’s word. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

He also continued to hold unforgiveness toward a family member. Second Corinthians 2:11 warns us to forgive so that Satan does not gain an advantage over us. Over time, we noticed that his health began to decline along with his finances. He still refused to listen to biblical instruction.

Hebrews 3:7–19 tells us not to harden our hearts and rebel against God’s word. First Corinthians 10:11 tells us that what happened to the Israelites in the wilderness was recorded as an example for us and for our instruction.

Hebrews 3:12–13 warns us:

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Speaking against or contrary to God’s truth is sin. It hardens our hearts, and God says that an unbelieving heart is evil (Numbers 13:32).

Let us also keep in mind Second Timothy 3:16, which says:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

second true account

Sally was doing well and had a peaceful life. Sadly, she began listening to the wrong people. Instead of cutting off those relationships, she began yielding to their demands.

These people played on her compassionate heart and led her into spending her time, energy, and money helping a cause that God never led her into. It was as if a spirit came over her, and she became driven to devote all of her resources to this cause. Nearly two years later, she had accumulated significant debt, became sick multiple times, and spent all of her savings. We warned her more than once not to go in this direction.

She ignored our counsel, even though she knew we genuinely loved and cared for her. She was determined to move forward, believing this was from God. We do not believe she understands that the loss she experienced was the result of her poor decisions. Sadly, she deceived herself.

Jeremiah 17:23 says that they did not obey or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck so that they would not hear or receive instruction.

Proverbs 13:18 tells us that poverty and shame come to those who refuse instruction, but those who regard correction will be honored.

Proverbs 8:33 says to hear instruction and be wise, and not to disdain it.

Proverbs 6:23 tells us that the commandment is a lamp, the law is a light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.

examining ourselves in times of trial

There are many reasons we may experience trials, problems, and loss. Here are a few actions we can take when facing challenges:

examine ourselves, knowing that God never misses it, and ask where we missed it
consider what previous decisions led us to this place
repent for a poor decision, or a series of decisions, that brought us into difficulty
refuse fear and condemnation from the enemy
receive God’s forgiveness and cast all our care upon the Lord

Do not miss step five. Casting our care upon the Lord is essential. If we do not, it will affect our sleep and our health. We must choose to trust the Lord in the midst of the storm and trust that he will bring us through it.

This may be something we need to do many times throughout the day, because the enemy will attempt to draw us into worry and fear. Worry is sin. When we fear and worry, we are not trusting God to help us, nor are we meditating on his promises.

God’s promises instruct us to resist fear and assure us that he is faithful to bring us into victory.

It takes humility to admit when we are wrong. It also takes humility to cast our care on the Lord and trust him. That is obedience, and when we humble ourselves, we receive God’s grace.

First Peter 5:5 tells us, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Let us remain consistent in walking humbly before God and keep a teachable heart. Let us be quick to repent, quick to forgive, and quick to obey.