Stress, Out!

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth  (Mike Tyson).

   

We have become overburdened, so we start to self-mediate.  

We shouldn't trust the solution that we've prescribed for ourselves.

Then,  we attempt to normalize the situation.  

We feel stuck.  

The enemy is trying to take us out. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us also lay aside every weight, 

and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

 

2 looking to Jesus, 

the founder and perfecter of our faith, 

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

We can't fix it ourselves.  It okay to not be okay. 

2 Corinthians 12:9  (ESV)

9 But he (Jesus) said to me, 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for 

my (Jesus's) power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

When we acknowledge our weaknesses to God, it opens a door to the power of God.  

1. We can't, but God can.  

2. We must get completely honest with ourselves. 

Psalm 139:23-24 

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart!

    Try me and know my thoughts!

²⁴ And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

3. We must get completely honest with each other

Galatians 6:2  (ESV)

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

4. We must put our dependency on God.

  

Stress exposes self dependency. 

Galatians 2:20  (ESV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. 

And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Your effort is in the way of His strength.  

You must see yourself on the Cross. 

Mark Pettis, Church of the Highlands 
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/live-light