Emotional pressure should be a great teacher. In the middle of stress I have learned to ask:
“O.K. then, what am I trying to prove?”
Please hear me, I don’t want to overstate my success. When I say, “I have learned to ask…” I don’t mean that I always ask that question right away; I should, but I don’t. I don’t mean that I always immediately deflect the pressure and instantly rise above the challenge proclaiming my identity in Christ—I know the theology but I still have deep struggles in the depths of my soul.
When I say, “I have learned…” I mean that ultimately I have to recognize that every pressure should be accepted as a welcomed teacher. A friend of mine called it a “death check.” When pressure hits me, from without or from within, it gives me a chance to check if I am living the exchanged life:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20a)
I may have sin to confess; I may have issues to confront; But, believing the TRUTH, I have nothing to prove!
Pastor Al Gilbert 