I like peace. I like easy.
As a lobster grows its shell becomes too tight putting the lobster under pressure. When life is bringing pressure on me I want it to go away. Yesterday.
The lobster follows the design of its Creator and goes to a safe place like the cleft of a rock. In the shelter of the rock the lobster sheds the shell that has become too small and grows a new, larger shell.
When life brings pressure I’m learning to take shelter in my Rock.
If I am being continually transformed from glory to glory my shell is going to frequently get too tight. I can complain about the pressure, wish it away, ignore it, and … miss out on what He has for me in this area of growth.
Instead of seeing pressure as a negative I can recognize it and say “Okay, time to grow!”. I can be intentional in asking the Lord for His strategy, His lesson, and who He wants to be for me. I want to come humbly before Him and shed my too tight shell. I desire to stay hidden in His presence as my new shell grows.
I like things cut and dry, black and white. I want to see the process as clearly as a lobster shedding one shell and growing another. Instead I can feel pressure from many different sources for many different reasons, all at the same time. I can have multiple spiritual, mental, or emotional shells in various stages.
Knowing the time frame and the outcome – that wouldn’t require faith. Without faith I cannot please Him.
How to Partner with the Pressure
- Humble yourself before the Lord. This can be difficult but it is so much easier than having to be humbled.
- Ask Him where the pressure is coming from. I think there are three sources of pressure, each requiring unique responses.
- Sin/disobedience – our choices
- Wounds – other people’s choices
- An invitation for more or need for maturity – God may invite us, the enemy may attack and God will use it for our good if we are walking in His purposes.
- Shed your shell. Be vulnerable and honest with the Lord
- Begin to grow a new shell. Ask Him “What do I do now?”
- Stay hidden in His presence until your new shell is grown
When has being under pressure caused you to grow?
