This next week is going to be a pressure cooker for me. It's dance week and dance parents know what that means. It starts with a performance tomorrow night, stage set ups on Sunday, two dress rehearsals, school shows, nursing home presentations, a variety show, a mini show (this one is so cute) and two full blown productions of the Nutcracker. There will be much driving to a fro. Pictures to take, costumes to prepare, backstage preparations and more! I'm about to find out how my family handles pressures. Why?
When under pressure the truth comes out. I know a pastor that when he is interviewing someone to work on his staff deliberately demands them to interview under a high-pressure schedule. He wants to see what they are made of because the truth comes out under pressure.
James 1:2 - 4 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The Message puts it this way. Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
James understood what we know today. The truth comes out under pressure. As you face your "pressure cooker" situation, let your faith shine. Focus on what is important, people, your loved ones and friends. If the tree just doesn't look quite right - that's ok. If the banana pudding doesn't come out right - it isn't the end of the world.
PRAY - Jesus, as I face my "pressure cooker" situation help me to be faithful to you and allow my witness to reflect your love and grace to others - AMEN
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