Spiritual Growth Through Pressure
Nobody enjoys pressure—I certainly don’t. It can raise your blood pressure, give you headaches, and cause stress in many ways. However, the older I get, the more clearly I see that spiritual growth simply cannot occur without experiencing pressure. Pressure in our lives has the potential either to break us or lead us into victory through Christ (see 2 Corinthians 2:14). It compels us to take responsibility for our lives before God.
Every experience of pressure provides an opportunity to renew our thinking and transform ourselves through the Word of God. Yeshua the Messiah is the living Word made flesh. When we study and apply His Word, it becomes a living reality within us, producing fruit and bringing glory to God. No one remains unchanged after encountering the Lord, because He came to heal the sick and transform sinners into righteous individuals.
It’s essential to recognize that while the gifts of the Holy Spirit are wonderful, the true goal of spiritual maturity is cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Unlike spiritual gifts, bearing fruit requires conscious effort and deliberate cooperation with God. Love, faithfulness, trust, and humility are among the fruits we can—and must—present to God. Proud people resist God’s help, but the humble welcome His assistance and, as they grow spiritually, become blessings to others.
Scripture reminds us that even Yeshua, though perfect, learned obedience through the sufferings He endured (see Hebrews 5:8). Our Lord faced intense pressure, and precisely through these trials, He became our perfect High Priest, able to empathize with our weaknesses. The pressures in our lives aren’t punishments; rather, they are tools in God’s hands, shaping us into resilient and mature believers.
How should we respond to pressure? King David once wisely remarked, “Let us fall into the hands of the living God.” The important thing to realize is that we should surrender only to God, not to our circumstances. Pressure trains us in proper responses, whether we’re dealing with difficult diagnoses, family problems, or workplace challenges. The way we respond under pressure is a clear indicator of our spiritual maturity.
During tough times, it’s crucial not to allow the enemy to crush our spirit. Scripture counsels, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23). Pressure refines our hearts and our speech, teaching us to speak words of faith and trust. Under pressure, the true state of our hearts is revealed most clearly.
We should never assume that God has abandoned us in times of trouble. He remains close by, and His grace is sufficient to see us through every trial. During moments of pressure, it’s vital to rebuild our altar of prayer, approach the Lord, and attentively listen for His voice. Like the prophet Elijah, who turned to God during the most difficult moments of his life, we must seek God in stillness and peace.
God allows pressure not to break us, but rather to lead us into deeper submission and closer communion with Him. When we embrace trials with faith and hope, we become participants in His holiness and glory. Remember this: victory belongs to those who refuse to give up. God faithfully transforms every evil circumstance into good for those who love Him and walk according to His purposes.
Pastor Oren Lev Ari