Pressed but Not Crushed: A Story of Hope

Pressed but not crushed is a story of hope for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

As Christians, God did not promise us a trouble-free life, but He did promise to be with us always.

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

Despite the numerous challenges that presses us on all sides, we are not crushed because we are more than conquerors.

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

No matter the situation or circumstance, no matter the press, we cannot be crushed because God is with us.

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Romans 8:35-36 (NKJV)

What It Means to Be Pressed But Not Crushed

Have you ever stopped to wonder about life’s’ seasons? One season, the flowers and grasses are springing, the next blooming, then falling and becoming submerged by snow.

It must be challenging too for the lilies of the field to survive this cycle annually.

They are repetitively pressed but not crushed.

During the winter months, the flowers and grasses are submerged in snow, and sometimes the snow hardens into ice.

Imagine the pressing, crushing feeling those beautiful and tender plants must endure till the next season.

But one thing is clear, even though they are pressed and appear crushed, they are not. Because if they were crushed, they wouldn’t make an appearance in the Spring or blossom in the Summer.

So are you my friend, that situation will only make you stronger because you have what it takes to withstand it.

⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)

The great God is in you; therefore, you will not be crushed by what you’re passing through.

All the flowers and grasses which seemed pressed and crushed during the cold winter months bud in the Spring and blossom in Summer.

Moving around and seeing those beautiful flowers and colorful leaves and trees never fail to brighten my day and lift my spirit.

It gives me hope that no matter how hard I’m pressed by life’s situations, I won’t be crushed.

So, don’t lose hope through life’s challenges.

Why Are They Pressed But Not Crushed?

Despite the harshness of the winter season, the grasses and trees are preserved. They are pressed but not crushed.

Why are they pressed but not crushed?

It is because God preserves the flowers and grasses of the field.

²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? Luke 12:28 (NKJV)

We can be sure that the same God who preserves the grasses of the field will preserve us beyond expectation.

All we have to do is to put our trust in Him. When we learn to trust God, holding on in trying times will not be so difficult.

Read this post for practical tips to increase your faith and trust in God.

God cares about us much more than we could ever imagine, so much so that the Psalmist asked in amazement.

⁴ What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?
⁵ For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
⁶ You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet, ⁷ All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, ⁸ The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. ⁹ O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth! Psalms 8:4-9 (NKJV)

So, when next you feel pressed and troubled on all sides, remember that God cares for you. He cares for you more than He does for the lilies of the field. And that’s why He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? Luke 12:28 (NKJV)

Hard-Pressed on All Sides? Don’t Give Up!

Are you hard-pressed on all sides? Don’t give up.

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

Life is full of ups and downs, as a matter of fact, life can be hard. We may not always get what we feel we deserve.

Situations happen; sickness, disease, death of a loved one, loss of job, lack of finance, separation, divorce, disappointment and much more.

Any of these could be overwhelming.

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the situations and circumstances of life? Do you feel like you can’t take it anymore or like you can’t go a step further?

I know I have felt like that in the past, but I survived because God kept me through it all. Discouraged, weary and pressed down, yet not crushed.

Read this post on strength to the weary for encouragement to the weary soul.

The same God who kept me, He will keep you if you put your trust in Him. That I survived is proof that there is hope, hang in there, this too shall pass.

Like the harsh winter season passes and gives way to spring and summer, this season too shall pass. The season of depression, lack, illness, pain, emotional hurt and more shall soon give way to a season of hope.

You will experience new life, good health, healing, and God’s grace above all. Just hang in there because our redeemer lives.

Rise Above the Tides Even When Pressed Down

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
³ For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; … Isaiah 43:2-3 (NKJV)

God has promised to be with us when we pass through the rivers or through the fire. His presence is to provide assurance that we are not alone in the midst of the storm.

And just like a child is comforted in knowing that their parent is around in that situation, so also be comforted. Have hope, He has given His word that He will keep us through it all.

Speak to that situation and command it to bow to the name of Jesus. Encourage yourself that if the grasses could survive the harsh winter months, you too will survive. Not only will you survive that situation or circumstance, you will thrive in Jesus name. Amen

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
⁸ The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalms 138:7-8 (NKJV)

He has promised to revive us in troubled times, and not only that, He will save us to the uttermost. The only condition is that we must come to Him and put our trust in Him.

Related Post: 6 Keys for Surviving the Storms of Life

Trust God Through It All, and You Will Not be Crushed

²⁵ Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV)

God’s word to you today is do not be afraid, do not entertain fear or doubt because the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords will help you.

You are His diadem, exceedingly precious in His sight and He has promised to help you, if only you put your trust in Him.

¹⁰ Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

All you have to do is just believe. Believe and receive His help because that is His specialty.

There was a man named Joseph in the Bible who like the grasses of the field experienced severe winter for thirteen years of his life. He was sold into slavery at the age of 17 Gen 37:1 and was not emancipated until he was 30 years old. Gen 41:46

That entire story can be found in Gen 37 – 41.

If Joseph survived the harsh winter of his life, so will you. The God who was with Joseph, helping him during the time of slavery, servitude, and severe hardship in his life will be with you in your time of hardship. He will help you and you will come out better and stronger because you are a Royal Diadem and are of inestimable value to the King of Kings.

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