Thursday, February 28, 2008

Blowing the lid off

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).

Opening a jar with a stuck lid is a nuisance. Often times you get sore muscles or skin burns from trying to loosen that stubborn lid. And all kinds of jars suffer from stuck lids—you can have just as much trouble opening a jar of fresh preserves as a container of spoiled mayonnaise. What they have in common is this: when pressure is applied, the smell inside is released.

This illustrates how different people respond to adversity. Our lives are filled with things that put pressure on us. You’re running late for work and get a flat tire. You’re just about done with a term paper when the computer file gets corrupted. The boss sets a sales goal that you don’t think you can meet. Your teenager starts dating someone in their twenties. You are diagnosed with cancer but don’t have health insurance.

These pressures blow your lid off. For many, the smell that comes out when this happens is very unpleasant. Some respond to the pressure with harsh words, threats or ultimatums. Others close in on themselves, refusing to talk or face the reality of their situation. Some even blame God for their misfortune.

Yet amazingly, some people smell good when pressure rips the lid from their day. They stay calm and collected; they find something positive to focus on in the midst of trouble. They thank God for protecting them from something even worse, and trust that He will see them through this crisis.

Pressure reveals what is already inside of us. For some, pressure reveals the smell of decay, evidence that the soul is slowly dying from spiritual neglect. For others, pressure reveals the sweet smell of perfume, suggesting that the soul has been cleansed and made beautiful by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pressure situations are never fun, but they are revealing. When circumstances blow the lid off your day, how do you respond, and what does that tell you about the condition of your soul? If you don’t like what pressure reveals about you, let Jesus into your heart so that He can fill your life with a pleasant fragrance, even at the worst of times.

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