Pressure is inevitable. The issue therefore is not on the pressure or on the source. The focus should be on learning to handle it when it comes. What you do under pressure is what makes the difference. It is what sets you apart from the 'common'. The 'common' do not handle pressure well.

2 Cor. 1:8-11, Paul says, “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety."

There are 4 things that we can preach or recite to ourselves when pressure comes. First, remind yourself that. "I've been here before." It's not really your first time to deal with pressure. What you do is to recall how God has previously delivered you. In the book of Psalms, David constantly reminded himself of God's goodness in the midst of pressures. Satan will do anything so that you will forget God's faithfulness. Remember, this is NOT new to you. Confidently expect God to constantly cause you to emerge victorious.

Second, say to yourself, " It doesn't all depend on me." You are deeply loved and accepted by God. But your work, your contributions---they are really that important. Jesus already accomplished all the work. Paul said in 2 Cor. 1:9 “…we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.” 1 Peter 5:7 Do not rely on your own efforts. Be thankful that you get to participate in God's purposes but know that whether we fail or succeed, God's plans will still push through. It's not up to you! Turn the pressure that you put on yourself into privilege. It's a privilege to obey and to serve Jesus. Know that God is pleased with you already regardless of your productivity.

Third, say "I'm better under pressure." Pressure creates power. Rom 5:3 says, “Let us also be full of joy…and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.”
James 1:2-3 says “Consider it a gift…when you’re under pressure…don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it (the pressures) do its work so you become mature, well-developed, not deficient in any way.” Some things can only be produced under pressure. A diamond is produced from ordinary carbon only when put under extreme pressure. So the next time you are under pressure, welcome it as a process where God is bringing out the diamond in you. Endure and realize the strength and potential you never thought you had.

Fourth, say, "I'm not really alone." The enemy puts pressure on us especially when in isolation. But God says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6) Psalm 27:10 also says,“Even if my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will hole me close”



So the next time you feel the squeeze, get your head clear, and remind yourself: "I was born for this. Bring it on!" So keep calm & handle the pressure.

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