Malankara World

Devotionals

Performance Under Pressure

by Dr David Jeremiah

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Recommended Reading 2 Cor. 1:8-11

Pro football fans talk about DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average) for teams and individual players. The quarterback with the best DVOA ranking for 2009 was Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers. That means he was the most productive under pressure of all quarterbacks (based on the DVOA formula).

Pressure in sports is temporary; pressure in life is continual. The apostle Paul talked about the pressure he faced--hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down--and how he continued to bear fruit. Jesus described the pruning process in the spiritual life that results in more fruit (John 15:1-8). And we have the promises of God that assure us no pressure will ever be more than we can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). Indeed, like silver in the refiner's fire, heat burns away the dross and reveals the true value of Christ in us (Galatians 2:20).

How would you rate your performance under pressure in the spiritual life? The purpose is "that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in [your] mortal flesh" (2 Corinthians 4:11).

"While the fire is hot, keep conversing with the Refiner." - F. B. Meyer

See Also:

More Devotionals

Daily Morning and Evening Devotionals by Spurgeon

Daily Devotional: Today With Jesus

Daily Devotional: My Utmost for His Highest

Wisdom from the Desert Devotional

Weekly Devotional

Thought for the Day

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