Stewarding Life’s Pressures

When we look at the life of Moses, we can only imagine the pressure he must have felt throughout his life: (1) Born a Hebrew, raised as Egyptian royalty. (2) A fugitive after killing an Egyptian. (3) Chosen by God to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land. (4) Commissioned to lead an entire nation of people who were stubborn, full of complaints, and disobedient to the Lord. Moses, imperfect as he was, felt the pressure of the life to which God had called him.

Jesus, perfect as he is, knows the pressure that comes with God's assignment and call. We see both his wrestle and surrender in his prayer before the cross, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). He knew that we'd encounter things too heavy for us to carry but encouraged us to "take heart! [He] has overcome the world" (John 16:33). His victory is our victory. So "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

Let's never forget in the midst of pressure, stress, and questions, that Jesus is the ultimate prize to our pressure-filled lives. Both Moses and Jesus talked with God regularly to gain His wisdom and strength for their tasks. We read in Exodus 33:11 that the Lord would meet with Moses as one would with a friend. What an encouragement that this is the same God who meets with us and helps us. What are you facing right now that feels heavy? What pressures do you feel today? Remember that our God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), and that Jesus has promised to be with us until the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Pray: Thank God that we have a great high priest, Jesus, who is able to sympathize with all of our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-16). Ask God to strengthen you and help you as you encounter pressure and difficulties.