When Pressed

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

In her book “Invitations from God”, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun writes: “Jesus’ actions, in and of themselves, often make no sense unless we see them as responses to some hidden invitation—an invitation received from time spent alone with his Father.

When Jesus was interrupted while “on task,” and when people pressed him with needs, the expectations of others easily could have set the agenda.

But Jesus categorically refused to get caught up in the invitations that brought grandiosity, compulsivity, anxiety, and drivenness.

Jesus slowed down and waited to hear God’s invitations and initiatives. He thought nothing of climbing a mountain or traipsing out into the desert for time alone with his Father. In the midst of activity, this consistent rhythm deeply and finely tuned Jesus’ receptiveness and responsiveness to divine invitations.”

When life presses in, look to Jesus. Give thanks to the Lord that in every situation, He is faithful to lead us toward Himself.

“More persecution—more growing!” – Samuel Lamb

“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” – John 15:20