Originally published Monday, 22 September 2014.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Have you ever felt like you were about to bust or explode? I’m talking about emotionally. It’s that moment when you feel like you just can’t take anymore. That moment when you just want to give that person who has annoyed you for the very last time a piece of your mind? That moment when you’re so tired, that you can downright throw in the towel. Ever been there before? I know that I have. And that’s exactly what pressure looks like. It’s like you just want to blow the roof off! BUT we can’t.
I know it might feel good to say, “I can’t take it anymore!” Or give that person a piece of your mind or it might be easier if you just threw in the towel, but the truth is…you can’t. Not if you want to receive all that God has for you in the near future. We just can’t, sis. There’s too much on the line. Too much at stake.
Believe it or not, but you are needed for the kingdom. Yes, you have work to do. So don’t let blowing the roof off, which is just a simple expression for losing it under pressure, get the best of you. Don’t give that person a piece of your mind, because remember what Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Our fight is really not against people, but the enemy is using them sometimes to throw us off track. It’s not worth it. This is where the fruit of self-control comes in (See Galatians 5:22-23).
Another verse that comes to mind as we deal with difficult people in our lives or when we need to refrain from blowing up on someone is Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” And verses 31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (NLT)
These are some good verses to memorize! Even if you know it already. It’s always good to have a refresher. It’s a great way to train in knowing how to deal correctly when you’re under pressure. Now, this is not saying that you don’t confront issues, because in this Christian life, there will be conflict. This is just telling you how to deal with others while under pressure. We have to make sure that as we deal or confront issues that we don’t cut down someone’s character in the process. Yes, deal with the issue, but don’t attack the person’s character. This is what’s called fighting fair.
Now as it relates to having too much on your plate, growing weary in waiting on God, or throwing in the towel, hold onto the fact that God is with you. He has not forgotten or forsaken you. Even in the weariness or fatigue. He will indeed give you the strength to endure. Sometimes the heaviness can even be sin in your life that needs to be corrected through the cleansing power of God’s word. See where the weights are that could be making you feel like giving up or throwing in the towel or easily upset or discouraged.
Is it unbelief? Is it unconfessed sin? Is it doubt? Is it obvious sin? Whatever it is, throw it off like Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.” (NLT)
Let Him help you. Sometimes you may have to do what I call a “Steal Away to Jesus” moment. It’s that moment when the pressure is so thick that you just have to steal away from everyone to escape to Jesus in a secluded space. For me, I literally have to steal away to my bedroom (away from the surrounding noise), or steal away to the restroom if I’m at church or in a public place. It’s that place where I can gather my thoughts, check my spirit if I feel like I’m about to say something wrong or do something that could potentially mess things up, because my emotions are out of whack.
This is when I have to regain my focus and center my eyes on Jesus, while trusting that He is interceding on my behalf. This is also when I have to realize that He’s able to see me through the pressure. And finally, it’s where the Holy Spirit reminds me of God’s word so that I can respond properly or check an issue in my own life during that time. I’ll tell you, after I’ve had these quick moments alone with the Lord, I feel like I can make it just a little bit further. I love it!
Listen sis, sometimes you just have to do that! I don’t know what it looks like for you right now, but I just want to encourage you not to give up or blow up to the point where you mess things up for you and others in your life. It’s not worth it. So control yourself under the power of God’s word. And make the choice to never give up no matter what, because you can make it if you don’t lose faith.
As I close this post, hold onto this verse in Hebrews 12:13, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.” (NLT)
Love you sis! Until next time…
Remember that Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out.
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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