Floyd Godfrey, PhDDr. Floyd Godfrey
In the journey of faith, many of us face moments of intense pressure and hardship—times when life feels like it is pressing us to the brink. These moments of "crushing" are not only painful but often feel unbearable. Yet, it is precisely through these trials that God molds and shapes us into the people He has called us to be. The process is akin to the way grapes are crushed to produce wine; without the crushing, there can be no fruitful outcome.
The concept of being crushed by life’s circumstances may seem harsh, but it is in these very moments that God does some of His most transformative work. Helen Keller once said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." This truth resonates deeply within the Christian experience. As believers, we must understand that our spiritual growth often comes through enduring hardships that we would not choose on our own.
The Purpose Behind the Pain
God’s method of refining His people frequently involves leading them into situations of difficulty, where their faith and character are tested. In the book "Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power," T.D. Jakes explains, "No matter what you do, when the Master has chosen you, there is no escaping His hand. When His eye rests upon you in the midst of the fields of humanity, you will never be able to hide" (Jakes, 2019, p. 123). These words serve as a sobering reminder that God’s purpose for our lives is inescapable. When we are chosen by God, our lives are not our own; they are in His hands, and He uses every experience, especially the painful ones, to shape us.
The Bible speaks to this process in James 1:2-4 (NIV), which says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage highlights that trials are not only inevitable but are also necessary for our development. The crushing is not without purpose; it is God’s way of producing something greater within us—spiritual maturity and completeness.
Embracing the Process
While the idea of being crushed might seem daunting, it is crucial to trust in God’s sovereign plan. The pain and pressure we endure are not signs of God’s absence but rather indicators of His active presence in our lives. He is the Master Potter, carefully molding the clay of our lives, and sometimes that requires intense pressure. As we submit to this process, we learn to rely more on God’s strength and less on our own, leading to deeper spiritual growth and a more profound understanding of His grace.
In those moments when you feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures, remember that God is at work. Just as a seed must be buried and pressed in the soil before it can grow, so must we go through our own seasons of crushing. The result, however, is a harvest of righteousness and peace, as promised in Hebrews 12:11 (NIV): "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Conclusion
Though the process of crushing is painful and something we would naturally avoid, it is often the very method God uses to bring about our growth and maturity. As we endure these trials, we are reminded that our lives are in the hands of a loving Creator who is using every moment for His glory and our good. Trust in Him, embrace the process, and allow the crushing to produce the power of God in your life.
Floyd Godfrey, PhD, is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD, at www.FloydGodfrey.com.
References
Jakes, T. D. (2019). Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power. Hachette Book Group, Inc.
