Pressure
November 2, 2025
Dr. Paul Cannings
Years ago, the elders and I were called to the hospital by a husband who was desperate for his wife. They were expecting a baby, but complications arose during delivery, and it didn’t look like she was going to make it. The baby was healthy, but the mother was in critical condition.
I remember the doctor coming out to meet us. She said rather calmly, “I just can’t seem to get this situation under control; please continue to pray.” About an hour later, the doctor returned with good news: the mother was going to make it. That’s when I noticed the immense stress the doctor had been under. Despite the pressure, she focused on her training rather than her emotions.
Pressure reveals what’s inside of us. Many people under pressure display either their strengths or their weaknesses. I think of Michael Jordan—he always wanted the final shot for his team. No matter how much pressure he faced, he took that shot with confidence. In the same way, when people face hardship, they either shine or break.
We see this truth in Scripture. Take Abraham, for example. When under pressure because Pharaoh desired his wife, Abraham succumbed to fear and sought to protect himself rather than trust God to protect Sarah (Genesis 12:10–20). Elijah, after being threatened by Jezebel (1 Kings 18–19), ran into the wilderness, discouraged and afraid only to be reprimanded by God. In both cases, pressure exposed their fears and displaced their faith.
Yet others, like Daniel and Deborah, responded differently. Daniel purposed in his heart (Daniel 1:8) to remain obedient to God no matter the challenge. His steadfast faith caused Ezekiel to later describe him as an impeccable man (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 28:3). Deborah, through her unwavering devotion to God, was chosen by Him to lead when Barak hesitated (Judges 4).
Trials will come—Scripture tells us not to be surprised (1 Peter 4:12). Satan continually accuses believers before God, seeking our destruction (Revelation 12:10). But those who choose to trust God rather than be trapped by fear (Proverbs 29:25) grow stronger in His power. They place their confidence in Christ, declaring, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Such individuals endure and are promised the crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; 3:11), because they refuse to let the pressures of life break them. Their trust in God’s Word shapes their character for His glory and their blessing.
Even Jesus, committed to being “about His Father’s business,” faced the ultimate pressure at the cross. Yet through that obedience came resurrection, salvation for all, and His exaltation to the right hand of God, with all things under His feet forever (Philippians 2:6–11).