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The Pressure Cooker

  • For we don't desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life. Yes, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us out of so great a death, and does deliver; on whom we have set our hope that he will also still deliver us 2 Corinthians 1:8 WEB

    When we have something tough that we are trying to cook, we break out a pressure cooker that we have, and soon it will be so tender that it just falls apart. The pressure cooker is an amazing device for speeding up long cooking tasks. Something that would take three hours to cook normally, can be cooked in the pressure cooker in about thirty minutes.

    When the Lord decided to put me in the ministry, He brought the pressure of closing our existing business. When I tried to keep it open, He turned up the pressure until I literally had no choice but to do what He wanted, or starve and be homeless.

    You would think that He could have just asked me, but instead He went the silent route of drying up our business, bringing great financial pressure on us, and then at the last minute, the week that we prepared to move out of our home, He opened up a door in ministry and here we are. Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that He put me here and that He is with us. I don't have to wonder if I forced my way into the ministry, for He forced me into ministry.

    We spent some quality time in God's pressure cooker. It got us where He wanted us to be, and it also changed us in the process. We learned a lot during that season. Serving God with your whole heart, giving all that you have, praying on your face in tears, praise and worship and fasting, does not necessarily rescue you from hardship or pressure. Sometimes you are meant to endure it and have something squeezed out of you.

    Paul wrote that that they were under so much pressure, so far beyond their power and means, that he thought they were going to die. Then he wrote that it was so that they would trust in God, and not in themselves.

    That is scary for those that want to be in control, but still serve God, because there will come a time when He will break you and teach you to trust Him instead. When your world begins to crumble because you are no longer in control of the situation, guess who was your God. You. I still remember the day that I had to start trusting Him, and it was because I was powerless against what was happening, much like Paul.

    There is good news, it does not last forever. Pressure cooking is the fast track, but intense. Who you are when under pressure, is who you really are. God already knows. He wants you to know, and He allows pressure to steer us in the right direction.

    He knows just how much we need, for how long, and something that could take years, may only take weeks. Don't panic and give up when you are under pressure, you are not the first. You will come out of it better when you are done and have a testimony to share with others.

    Prayer: Father, I pray that You work Your perfect will in my life. Put me where I need to be, and surround me with those that need to be there. Give me hope Lord and help me to remain stable under pressure. I have put my trust in God, what can man do to me? In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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41 comments
  • 3
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Let Him be in control. It will all come out in the proper order when it is done. Thank you Father for your patience with us.
February 12, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen.
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen and amen. 
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Joan Joseph
Joan Joseph My hope is in you Lord, only you can get me out of this pressure cooker and give me peace. Thank you Lord. Amen.
February 12, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and when we have come through the pressure cooker,  we will come through stronger and more at peace than ever before. God bless you. 
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Barbara Miramon
Barbara Miramon What an interesting analogy of what goes on in our life. Thank you Pastor for putting it in words that make sense in understanding that even though the pain is intense mentally at this moment, having a strong faith in Our Lord, will bring much comfort that it will pass soon; and when it does pass, we will then have a clearer understanding of what God's will was for us. 
February 12, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what a beautiful way to think of the pressure you are facing now, soon it will come to pass and you will know and have a clearer understanding of God's perfect will.
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 3
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wylesedited: February 13, 2016 Amen! Trust is a hard one! I have been working on it since I stepped out in faith and left a hostile environment to find God's peace again. The pressure is on! Bills due, very little income, but some how God makes a way for us so we are fed, have a roof still over us and see blessings in the storm every day. Am I stressed and worried? Somedays... when I let Satan's lies get in my head! Other days I know in my heart and my head that God pulled me from a bad work space to bless me not to hurt me so he will always make a way for us. I'm learning a new sence of "trust completely". The road seems long and bumpy but really a lot has happened in a short time like both my husband and myself growing much closer to God & to each other & much healing for my family. There will always be struggle in this broken world, there will always be uncertain roads to travel, with our Lord as a beakon we go boldly forward  in hope and prayer, learning to trust in God's good promises. Thank you Pastor Dion for all you do to help us to find that light! Pastor's Prayer: Father, I pray that You work Your perfect will in my life. Put me where I need to be, and surround me with those that need to be there. Give me hope Lord and help me to remain stable under pressure. I have put my trust in God, what can man do to me? In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
February 12, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Dianna, He will surely be with you all the way, through every bump in the road or any storm, He will take you through them or carry you if you need Him too. Love and hugs and prayers.
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt I agree with you. We can't see the ful picture that God sees, but we can trust Him and His timing.
February 12, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praise The Lord, for giving you more strength and making you stronger through all that you have been through, God bless you.
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt God never wast anything. I thank God that you see the postive in your cituation.
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Mike OBryan
Mike OBryan Hum quit a reading!!  Having been in His ways for some time-its fitting to read this! With a open mind and Spirit it all makes sense!! Amen!!!!!!!!  
February 12, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt AMEN!
February 12, 2016
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Gail Sellu
Gail Sellu Amen, Lord my trust is in you,  I will wait,  in Jesus name I pray!
February 12, 2016
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Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro Let go, let God.  Let go, let God.  Let go, let God.  I must say, I think I am getting pretty tender in that pressure cooker, but I am learning little by little to relinquish control.  Each time an issue pops up, I am putting it on the back burner.  I repeat to myself to let go and let God, because I have already given these issues and people back to Him.  I certainly do not want to be an indian giver.  Lord, thank You for shaping me into who I am supposed to be.  I know that each day brings more work to be done in me.  But I am grateful that You are working in the lives of those around me so I need not worry.  Your perfect will be done.  AMEN
February 12, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, beautifully said, it has so much meaning and such a powerful message,  God bless you as you become tenderized in the pressure cooker. love you so much my sweet friend. sending you lots of love and hugs.
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt I agree. Let go and let God.
February 12, 2016
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Kara DiNunzio
Kara DiNunzio Amen!  Let go and let God!
February 12, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praise The Lord, Praise The Lord, this message was so totally for me today, I have been under the pressure cooker lately and I have to lay it all at the feet of Jesus, because there was nothing I could do about anything of it, but pray pray pray and let go and let God. Wow, this is awesome, you sure were right on target for my life today. Thank you so much for the guidance of Jesus with sending His Word that He divinely gives you each day. Love y'all so much.
February 12, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt It was for me too. I have been praying for you. I do want to trust God no matter what my circumstances are.
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Sharon Peterson
Sharon Peterson I can relate. Once you truly surrender all you then have the peace of Christ. That was a great story about how your ministry came about. God Bless you in this walk.
February 12, 2016
  • 3
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Yes! what can man do to you? nothing. Gods timing is always right. I want to be where God wants me to be, when He wants me there. I pray that I will learn to wait on the LORD, and trust Him and his timing.
February 12, 2016
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Laura B. Martinez
Laura B. Martinez Thank you Pastor Todd for this reminder that God will never give us more than we  can handle. If we lift us up when we are just about to crumble.
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Melissa-Peter Busse
Melissa-Peter Busse Wow! This was a powerful read today. Thanks Pastor Dion for sharing your heart
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Definitely needed this prayer this day, thank you God for you are always speaking to your children..Amen❤☝✌
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Father,I hank you that I can come to you when I feel under pressure.Knowing you will give me guidance and help me ,if I just step back and talk to you.,knowing that there is nothing that we can not handle together.,you by my side.Help me Lord to turn to you and seek your guidance,and ask how would you face the situation under pressure.That I will feel your peace within my heart,whatever happen. In Jesus name I pray. Thank you Pastor. Just need to share this with you Pastor. For though I am far away from you my heart is with you,happy because you are getting along so well, happy because of your strong faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5. Thanks be to God.
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen I have found when I become overwhelmed and cry out to my Abba Father,  He fills me with His peace and calms my soul, then I completely lean upon Him as He gives me everything I need to get through the storms! 
February 12, 2016
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Sylvia Schmidt
Sylvia Schmidt Amen 
February 12, 2016
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Oh how I can relate! God doesn't merely ask--He demands! I had no choice but to surrender to Him when I was at my lowest point. I'm so glad I didn't give up!
February 12, 2016
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Amen Thanku Pastor!    
February 12, 2016
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Linda Cella
Linda Cella Amen. Thank You Pastor. I have been in the Pressure Cooker and I am still learning how to Let Go and Let God. He is in Control, not me. Thy Will Be Done. 
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Wow. Great stuff Brother. Very refreshing that you included that after fasting, praying, and basically just begging God with all that you've got, you STILL didn't get the thing you wanted. Dorene and I spent Years in a fasting/praying ministry. I remember fasting for up to 23 days, many times 10, 14, 7 and lots of other numbers. I'm not bragging, I said that, because I was so disillusioned that my prayers weren't being answered. As I look back now, I clearly see that the Pressure cooker was for our good. It certainly didn't seem like it at the time though, lol. Another wonderful RHM meditation for the day. Love and Prayers, Norm and Dorene in Texas
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen 
February 12, 2016
  • 3
Sylvia Schmidt
Sylvia Schmidt Yeah I remember being in the pressure cooker too. It was something I wanted so much and for so long that I finally lay prostrate on my face for a hour to have him speak to me that he was going to do something for me. It turned out to be bad for me although I learned a lot through it. So in the end the time spent in the pressure cooker was for my own good and so was the experience I had going through the bad experience that followed my answer to prayer. It taught me to recognize the bad so I could look for the good next time. Without recognizing what is bad for us, we don't always know what is good for us. Thanks Pastor Dion! Great message!
February 12, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Hi Sylvia,  haven't met you yet but Welcome to RHM!  I like yr remark about being in the pressure cooker not liking it yet after ending the stay in it you learned what bad was.  So, it shows that God DOES know what He is doing....thank you, Lord!  I too learned about me in that hard time.  In a divorce which was with alcohol reigning in the family, I learned about me & how I came to be in such relationship first, and the alcohol that I grew up in & married in.  Also my own alcoholism God dealt with between He & I of great teaching.  Not been in a very hard place of much schooling my "picker" in me would have done it again!  Over 25 yrs in a new Christian marriage is a gift! Blessings to you Sylvia    
February 13, 2016
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Sylvia Schmidt
Sylvia Schmidt Thanks for sharing Cheryl. Blessings to you too.
February 14, 2016
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Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin This explains so very much to me, and now it all makes sense.  Thank you so much Pastor Todd for this word.  
February 12, 2016
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Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen! I'm trusting you alone JESUS! Hallelujah!
February 12, 2016
  • 2
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
February 12, 2016
  • 3
Michele  Smart
Michele Smart Amen!  The pressure cooker is exactly what life feels like sometimes and it is hard to give up control.   But we must or we will explode under the pressure. 
February 13, 2016