Crushed, Pressed, and Made New:
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
There is something about walking through trials that changes the way we know God. Not just know about Him, but truly experience Him, His mercy, His grace, His presence in ways we never would have otherwise.
When life is easy, we may acknowledge God, thank Him, and walk in faith. But when we are pressed, crushed, and broken, that is when we cling to Him. That is when we learn the depths of His faithfulness. That is when we watch, moment by moment, as He brings peace where there should be despair, healing where there was only hurt, and restoration where everything seemed lost.
Jesus experienced this firsthand in Gethsemane, the place of pressing. He prayed in anguish, knowing what lay ahead, yet still surrendering to the will of the Father. As He was beaten, mocked, and crucified, it seemed as though all hope was lost. Yet, in the greatest suffering came the greatest victory. Resurrection was on the other side.
When we are walking through our own Gethsemane, we often cry out like Jesus, Let this cup pass from me. We want to avoid the pain, the heartache, the betrayal, the crushing weight of suffering. But if we only knew what God was doing through the pressing, we would see it differently. Because it is in the pressing that we see His provision.
It is in the wilderness that we see His manna.
It is in the storm that we see His hand reaching out.
It is in the fire that we see Him standing with us.
It is in the crushing that we see His resurrection power.
If it had not been for the trial, you would not have known how deeply He loves you. If it had not been for the pain, you would not have experienced His healing. If it had not been for the loss, you would not have witnessed His restoration.
God does not waste the pressing. He is producing something far greater than we can imagine. And one day, you will look back not just with relief that you made it through but with gratitude that God brought you to it in order to bring you through it.
Because in the pressing, you have come to know Him. And there is no greater treasure than that.
Prayer:
Father, I thank You that You are with me in the pressing. Even when I cannot see the purpose, I trust that You are working all things for my good. Let this trial bring me closer to You, deepen my faith, and reveal more of Your glory in my life. I choose to trust You, not just to get me through, but to transform me in the process. In Jesus, name, Amen.
Reflection:
Where have you seen God the most in your trials?
How has the crushing season deepened your experience of His love?
What is one way you can trust Him more today in your pressing?
No matter what you are walking through, know this: God is not just bringing you through, He is bringing you closer to Him. And that is the greatest gift of all.
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