inconveniences and annoyances each of us confronts on a daily basis .
Of course , minor doesn ’ t mean easy . When our lives are filled with pressure and strain , even the smallest stressor can become the straw that breaks the camel ’ s back .
Other stressors are so big they immediately take center stage in our lives . The loss of a job . Cancer . Divorce . The death of a parent or child . Stressors can also include larger events that may not impact us directly — wars , pandemics , political elections , economic depression , and so on . All these factors ( and many more ) can push us toward fearful concern .
In the introduction , I said that all people experience stress , and that ’ s true . Yet it ’ s important to understand that stress doesn ’ t cause itself . Instead , what brings about stress are the various stressors we encounter in our lives . We could say it this way : stressors are what we face , while stress is what we feel . Stressors put demands on us that threaten to overwhelm our resources and can cause us to feel fear and worry and anxiety .
Stressors put demands on us that threaten to overwhelm our resources and can cause us to feel fear and worry and anxiety .
To say it another way , stressors are the primary sources of stress .
But we don ’ t have to respond that way . It ’ s possible to handle stressors in a way that produces peace . In fact , it ’ s possible to enjoy a stressless life . Truly , it is ! That ’ s what this book is all about .
I think it ’ s necessary to point out that all people encounter all kinds of stressors every single day of their lives — including Christians . There ’ s a lot of confusion about that reality , both in our culture and in the church . Many Jesus followers feel shame or guilt or doubt when they encounter trials and tough times . They feel like they must be doing something wrong or that God is punishing them .
The truth is , followers of Jesus are not immune to difficult circumstances . In fact , it ’ s clear from Scripture that we should expect stressors in our lives .
The apostle Paul writes this to the church : “ But realize this , that in the last days difficult times will come ” ( 2 Tim . 3:1 ). The Amplified Bible defines the phrase difficult times as “ times [ of great stress and trouble ] . . . [ that will be hard to bear ].” Have you experienced those times ? I have .
The apostle Peter adds this : “ Beloved , do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you , which comes upon you for your testing , as though something strange were happening to you ” ( 1 Pet . 4:12 ). Don ’ t be surprised when you encounter a stressor ! It ’ s not something strange . It ’ s not a confirmation that you ’ re going down the wrong path . In fact , stressors and difficult circumstances are often signs that you ’ re headed in the right direction spiritually ; you ’ re just encountering resistance from your enemy .
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