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Can God Get Glory from My Life?

    by Dominique Henderson

Pressing Time
Date Posted: October 25, 2009

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)

The life of submitted believer is similar to an olive that yields the fruit of fresh oil. Crushed olives provide oil that is used for many things. However the usefulness of oil isn’t realized until the olives are pressed in a process to yield the “fruit”. Today let’s explore the thing that keeps us from enduring our pressing time. God obviously wants us to grow and mature in him and that involves trying times and circumstances. What do we need to avoid so that we can endure pressing time?

PRIDE…We need to humble ourselves

Why does Peter offer this as the solution so easily? Peter knew first hand from walking with Christ that Jesus was the ultimate picture of servant-leader. When Jesus chose to wash his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, Peter rejected Jesus’ initial request. But after Peter was made to know that this too was a part of being a disciple, he asked for a bath (see John 13:5-10). Jesus took a role of humility that his disciples and followers would remember for all time. His example of humility and God’s exaltation of him in the heavenlies is why Peter could confidently say this in his letter to the saints. “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility”…that is to say that if Jesus (our Lord and Master) could do this you certainly can. But again, why is it that I’m suggesting that we humble ourselves at a time of conflict or persecution? What is the benefit of that? Well looking a few verses ahead (1 Peter 5:8), Peter cautions us of the attack of the enemy when we operate in the opposite of humility—pride. This says to me that the temptation to sin always accompanies persecution and trial. Do you remember Jesus’ intercession for Peter “Simon, Simon Satan has asked to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (see Luke 22:31-34). What was Jesus foreshadowing here? Obviously, it was Peter’s denial of him before the crucifixion. Peter was then loved back into the foal by Jesus at the beachside fish-e-que (see John 21:15-17). All this to say, Peter experienced first-hand the demoralizing effect of pride. It rendered him incapable of realizing that he would indeed deny Christ (as Jesus said) being totally blind-sided by the Enemy’s attack. But because of this experience and the prayers of our Savior, he was able to do as Jesus said—strengthen his brothers after he had overcome. We can be confident that the Enemy will seek to attack us when we are weak. Just like most wild cats attack the young or the wounded in a herd, the accuser of the brethren is no different—he plays dirty. Living a life of humility before God is the way we receive the grace we need to make it through our trial and not to succumb to the wiles of the enemy. When God supplies us with the grace it is his strength, power and ability (working for us and on our behalf) to overcome anything that stands in our way. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (see Philippian 4:13). Our ultimate aim should be to allow God’s glory to be revealed in us and to draw men unto his son Jesus. So when you are pressed like Peter (or like an olive) remember that this is God’s doing and that you will endure because he wants to exalt you in his time!

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Biography Information:
Dominique Henderson is a believer in the one and only Son of God - Jesus Christ.  After being a believer for many years, he didn't begin to realize the purpose God had for him until the age of 30.  He has a passion for fellow musicians and worship leaders that have allowed Satan to distract them from their God-given gifts.  He now lives day by day following the lead of the Holy Spirit--not perfectly but diligently. He enjoys writing and spending time with his wife, Briana, and their three children.
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