If you fail under pressure,
your strength is too small.Proverbs 24:10 (NLT)
Don’t give up and be helpless
in times of trouble.Proverbs 24:10 (CEV)
Jesus, while speaking to His disciples said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 – Douay-Rheims Bible). Jesus didn't hide the truth from anyone who followed Him; He told them what would happen to them and then, what they must do whenever they are confronted with DISTRESS or PRESSURE or TROUBLE.
In this short article, our focus is, "How We Can Respond To Crisis: What Should Be Our First Response". From the book of John 16:33, it is clear that we cannot escapw trouble or pressure in this world; rather, what we can do and must do is to have the right or appropriate response to any kind of DISTRESS that may come our way as a people of God on earth.
The wisdom of God for us is simply, "Don't give up and be helpless.." What does it mean to GIVE UP? To give up is simply to throw in the towel; telling yourself there can be no solution or way out of the CURRENT mess, challenge or opposition. In fact, in another version of that Proverbs 24:10, the Bible says, "If you FAINT in the days of adversity, it is because your STRENGTH is small (little)". Showing us that the days of adversity are sure; but the way to OVERCOME adversity isn't by "chicken out"; but by being STRONG. When opposition arise against you, when you come under intense pressure, and when you find yourself in big or small trouble; don't CHICKEN OUT, but become STRONG!
The question then is, "How can I become strong in the face of opposition?" That question will also answer the question of our focus in this article – about the FIRST RESPONSE! The first response under pressure shouldn't be fear and withdrawal; but FAITH! The strength we were refering to all along isn't more about PHYSICAL STRENGTH; but a SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. The disciples of Jesus, under pressure once asked Jesus to INCREASE THEIR FAITH – for they knew that the only reason why did withdrew under pressure wasn't because the TROUBLE or CHALLENGE was too much, but because they didn't have enough faith!
