Pressure

More often than not, the problem (pressure) is not as great as it appears. And even if it is big, that doesn't block your ability to solve the problem. Losing your perspective, however, does prevent you from coming up with creative solutions.

I could tell you stories of the pressure I'm under, but instead, let me ask you a few questions and offer some guidelines to get started. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have you experienced high pressure without a break for some time? Are you not sure what to do? If you answer these questions with a yes try these steps. First, write down all the issues, then put them in order of priority. That alone may help you to discover the list isn't as long as you thought. Then pray, lots. Give the list to God. Serious. You are His child and it's his church, so they are His problems. God wants you in the game for solutions, but not without Him. Do your part but let Him in. Then connect with two or three people you respect who are wise leaders and let them give you counsel. This is not a solution, but it will provide momentum to help you lower the pressure and begin to solve the issues...

[and]...I'll keep this idea short and simple. If you are not living a pure life as Christ has modeled, you will experience a sort of emotional and spiritual dissonance which will prevent you from experiencing God's peace and thereby increasing your pressure levels.

Dan Reiland