Who are we in the press?
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” or from the Greek, thlipsis, “to suffer
affliction, to be troubled, due to the pressure of circumstances or the antagonism of persons.
What do we do when tough times hit? Can we pass the test?
This scripture and the portions around it, speak about Joseph and his time in prison,
after being sold into slavery and then being falsely accused of sexual assault.
Joseph was prepared and gifted by God to be a deliverer for Israel. The circumstances
surrounding Joseph's life were ones God used to refine and shape his character.
Joseph finds himself in prison and the bible says, ‘until the word of God came to pass’
Joseph was being tested. Every action and every word reveals what is in the heart of
man. The bible tells us God knows how to deliver the Godly out of temptations, (2 Peter2:9)
He’s not unrighteous, but faithful with every temptation to make a way of escape so we
are able to bear it (1 Cor. 10:13)
We’ve learned from the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness that every temptation must be met with the word of the Lord.
“It is written” is the only sure deliverance we will have.
How does the word try us? By seeing if we really believe it.
How do I know I believe? By what comes out when I’m pressed. (Proverbs. 4:20-22)
For out of the mouth proceed the issues of life, Out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaks, (Luke 6:45)
Do we murmur and complain? Are we confused and discouraged?
Are we angry and curse God?
OR
Do we count it all joy?
Do we in our midnight hour lift our hands and sing praise?
Do we build ourselves on our most holy faith, praying in other tongues?
Do we strengthen ourselves by drawing near to God?
This posture is the one that God is testing to see if we are holding fast to the word He has declared to us. Ever mindful that Satan comes immediately to steal the word and separate us from the Father, we must diligently attend to His word. Not allowing it to depart from our eyes, but meditating upon it day and night, for it is our life, it is our hope, it is our strength. These are days of great pressing. We are sorely pressed on many fronts in these last days. Life will not get easier in these last days but it can get brighter and brighter as we remain vitally united to Him through His word and Spirit.