Young People's Group

LEARNING TO COPE IN STRESSFUL TIMES

by Pastor Mitch
September 13, 2009

Seeing How Stressful Life Can Be – The Example Of Paul

Life is stressful. This is an accepted fact. Whether you are schooling or working, life can be really demanding. The question we want to ask ourselves is how stressful life can be. From the example of Paul, we can see to what extent it became for him. Paul was not afraid to talk about how stressed out he was.

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength” 
2 Corinthians 1:8

The word “trouble” means “under tremendous pressure or affliction”. Paul and friends went through a truly distressing time. They were greatly burdened to an extraordinary degree, even beyond what they expected. The afflictions that they went through were above what human strength could take. Were there times when Paul, the great servant of God, also felt stressed? Yes, there were, and he was not afraid to talk about them. Are you feeling stressed by school or work? Let’s not keep these things to ourselves. Let’s learn to talk about them.

God’s Purpose In Allowing Stressful Times – To Trust Him More

“That we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” 
2 Corinthians 1:9-10

God deliberately allowed stress to come into Paul’s life for a definite purpose. The Lord wanted him to learn not to trust in himself but to fully trust in Him. He is a God who faithfully delivers His people. Paul was able to trust in God’s deliverance in the past, the present and in future situations. This is something we need to learn. Very often, we want to be in control of our own destiny. God, on the other hand, wants to teach us that only He is absolutely in control of our lives. Our part is to learn to place complete trust in Him.

The Challenge To Be More Prayerful

“You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.” 
2 Corinthians 1:11

Paul also recognised that the prayers of the Corinthian church made all the difference. The Church prayed for him in his times of need. And the Lord heard their prayers. Paul had tremendous faith in the power of prayer. He was able to see that when people prayed for him, it would bring about definite results. When prayers were specially answered by the Lord, thanksgiving would be given to Him. Young people, let’s learn to exercise more faith in prayer. Let’s learn to be more prayerful. Let’s learn to pray together and intercede for those who are going through stressful times. Prayer can make a big difference.

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