Under pressure

God’s word is alive, perfect and timely; it is speaking to me again at a time when I need to hear him most. A time when I feel under pressure, when I feel unhappy, when I feel like quitting because things are difficult.

The answers I needed were in the book of James:

1:2 Consider it a sheer gift when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours.
1:4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed.
1:12 Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. The reward is life, and more life.
5:8 Be patient like that [the farmer who waits for his crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work]. Stay steady and strong.
5:10 They [the old prophets] put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honouring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course!