Pressed, But Not Crushed!

Gethsemane means "press" or "olive press." What perfect words to describe what Jesus went through in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was pressed, persecuted, and pushed to His limits - to the point of sweating droplets of blood. He experienced agony of heart and yet maintained His determination to serve His Father by fulfilling His purpose. Out of His great agony came the pure oil of victory for all mankind!

There are times when we go through the press – feeling as though we’re being twisted and life is being squeezed out of us, perhaps agonizing over what we might have to face next. But we have a great Savior who is able to sympathize with us, knowing the feeling of the press (Heb 4:15-16).

Paul described this experience perfectly when he said “We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies” (2 Cor 4:8-10 AMP).

Here is God’s answering to the pressing: He will allow it so that the resurrection life of Jesus Christ can be shown forth in our lives! That the power of God may work in and through us for His victory and glory.

We are instruments of resurrection power! If you are going through the press know that you will not be destroyed by the enemy. You have victory in Jesus Christ and you can display His resurrection power through your words, actions and attitude of heart.

Thank God for the resurrection, because through it power has been given to you for every circumstance in life. Press through!