How to Overcome the Pressures of Life

After wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, it was finally time to enter the Promised Land. One big problem was that Moses, their leader, was dead. Who would lead the people into the place that they had waited for so long? God called Joshua to step into the role of leader. Now that is a lot of pressure!

Part of the reason the wilderness journey had lasted so long was that the people of Israel were murmuring, complaining, and disobeying God. Years and years and years had gone by. Moses was now gone, but God still had a purpose and a plan for the people of Israel. God spoke to Joshua and said, “Be strong and courageous.”

Joshua probably felt scared, nervous, or unqualified to take on such an assignment. He must have wondered why God called him to withstand that kind of pressure. God reassured Joshua just as He does you and me when we are feeling unsure about the call on our lives.

Joshua 1:5-6 NIV says No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

Here are three keys to being strong and courageous when you’re facing hard times:

• Take Your Time– When you are experiencing hard times you may feel the urge to speed ahead and just get through it. This could cause more issues down the road. It may be difficult, but it is best to slow down and just take it day by day. Do what you can with the resources and information that you have at the moment. Don’t try to figure it all out. It can wait until you have clarity on the next step.
• Build Up Your Stamina– In order to overcome the pressures of life, you need your spiritual and physical strength. This is a time to take care of your body like never before. Your body reacts to stress and could trigger sickness if you are not careful. During these times, exercise, drink water, rest, and eat healthily as much as possible. The same is true spiritually, you will need to increase your prayer time, fasting, and Bible study so you can combat the attacks of the enemy. He always comes harder when you are tired and vulnerable.
• Trust God– Like Joshua, you will have to really lean into God and trust Him when you have no idea what to do or how to do it. This season in your life may make no sense to you, but you must fight to remember that God is in control, He has a plan for your life, and He is a good father. These hard times will eventually improve and you will know that God had a plan all along.

What is it that God has called you to do? Maybe you are trying to raise a family or care for older parents. Perhaps you are trying to build a career or start a business. Whatever your purpose is in this season, God has promised to be with you just as He promised Joshua. There may be a lot of pressure in your life right now and you may feel very unsettled, but you are equipped to handle the assignment. Courage will be required. Perseverance will be required. Determination will be required. Have no fear, be strong and courageous!

Reflection: In which area(s) of your life is God calling you to be strong and courageous right now?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am dealing with a lot of pressure right now in my life and I need your help. I am having trouble understanding what is happening and I need direction. Help me to trust you and be strong and courageous as you bring me through this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

…Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NIV