Stress Has a Useful Purpose (Part 3)

I will conclude this part with the promise found in Scripture, that for the Christian stress can be of great profit. George Sweeting states, "A Christians is like a teabag, he is not worth much until he has been through some hot water." Maybe we can apply that to the Church as well. In James 1:9-12, we see the author encouraging the Church to continue through the stressful season of life in order to receive a great reward. James mentions that there is a profit for the poor man. The profit is the fact that God thinks highly of those who are poor. This does not mean that being poor is an guarantee of heaven, but rather knowing that most Christians at this time were enduring poverty, they were to realize that poverty was only temporary, and in reality they were truly rich from knowing Christ. James also writes to the rich man and admonishes him to walk in humility, because all wealth can vanish in a moment; both poverty and prosperity are temporary. The real reward is the final reward, only given to those who are children of the King.

Stress is very profitable. Yes, we may not see it today, but the real reward will come at the end of this life; and so we are commanded to hold our ground in this battle to the very end. In the end, we will receive the "crown of life", which speaks of eternal life in heaven. Still, until our departure we need to remember the words of the Apostle Paul when he states, "Whatever state I find myself, I will be content. " This is the best attitude to carry if we are going to overcome any stressful situation. If we will see every stressful situation (ones not of our own making) as an instrument by God to make us more mature for His service, than our body, mind, and spirit will be content to run this race to the very end. Until then, let me suggest some help tips if you are feeling stressed out: 1) Take time off. 2) Have a sense of humor. 3) Spend more time with God. 4) Don't isolate yourself, get with people like you. 5) Exercise, help your body. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.