We all know the down side of stress--the high blood pressure, the snapping nerves. In my experience, there is an up side....

"...we also exult in our tribulations..."


     One of the most difficult experiences of life for Americans is switching from Plan A to Plan B.  We have expectations.  We have weighted all our hopes to fulfill our dreams in a certain way.  Then financial woes, illness, or even minor disappointment occurs, and our image of happiness is shipwrecked. 

     The trick is to turn it over to the Lord, whatever "it" is.  If we believe in the God of the Bible, if we believe that He cups the universe in His hands, we just need to trust that the detours of life were on His map all along.  The Apostle Paul experienced a radical change from plan A to plan B which began on a journey down the Damascus road.  He was revered as a zealous Hebrew, and took it upon himself to rid the world of encroaching Christianity.  Then, he met Christ.

     Paul's life from there unfolded into a remarkable and hazardous journey, but he ceased caring about his life and the opinions of others.  In Romans 5, Paul framed his thoughts on tribulations for the Christians in Rome:

     "...we exult in hope of the glory of God.

     And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance,

     and perseverance, proven charater, and proven character, hope;

     and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy spirit who was given to us."

     Now, I am the biggest worrier in the world.  I regularly grab my Bible and search the pages for reassurance that all is not going to Hell in a handcart.  God's word is true , and His promises are sure. 

     Sometimes it helps to list all the things that stress us, and then mentally hand the list over to God.  I seal it in an envelope and put on the outside, "In God's Hands."  That will help me remember that I committed all those things to Him.

     There are some really big things on people's lists, I know.  Cancer tests.  Pending divorce.  Problems with grown children, small children, and step children.  We are simply not made to carry the world on our shoulders.  That's why Peter admonished, "Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." (I Pet. 5:7) 

     Furthermore, we are to pray for each other.  Jesus commanded us to bless those who hate us, and to pray for those who persecute us.  We are supposed to be partners with God in praying His will over the whole world.  Somehow, when I'm praying for the displaced millions in the Sudan, the suppressed Christians of China, the victims of the "holy wars" in the Middle East, my own problems diminish.  God feels my yearning quite keenly, and I see His hand...but I'm His partner in reaching the world.  My own concerns are not the only pressing problems, but God covers them all.

     Its in those moments of stress that I experience the reality of His intervention, the soothing peace of His Holy Spirit.  I cease to fear and resent stess.  I recognize it as one more avenue for training to run the race.  To quote my husband, "Whatever stresses us stretches us.  And God wants us to be flexible."  

     Look for a Lift

     You never know where you are going to find that boost, that comfort, that extra energy that will keep you going.  In 2 Corinthians 7:5,6, Paul told the church at Corinth about some harrowing times:

     "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.

     But God, who comforts the depressed comforted us by the coming of Titus..."
     I am dumbfounded to hear this faithful man of God admit his inner anguish!  Those fears within are the rats that gnaw away at peace of mind.  When the outward circumstances press in on us, God often sends a Christian in to pull us up.  God sent Titus to Paul. 

     Are you the Titus or the Barnabas who lifts others up?  Are you the distressed Paul, looking for a lift beyond your dilemma?  Open your eyes and see the person God is sending to you.  Take the hand offered...you don't always need to be the strong one.