For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)

Have you ever noticed that when some people come under pressure, their manner of speaking changes? Troubling circumstances can cause what is really in us to come out. It’s somewhat like wringing out a sponge. A sponge soaks up a liquid, such as water, and when pressure is applied, the liquid that has been absorbed by the sponge comes out. If a sponge has absorbed water, we cannot expect milk to come out when we squeeze it, can we? The same is true of us.

If we spend time in the Word and in the presence of the Lord, we will release godly words and actions when troubling circumstances place pressure on us. We are like sponges that are being squeezed by the pressures of life. What we have exposed ourselves to and what we’ve absorbed is what we will release.

That’s why some Christians act like heathens when things get tough. They have spent more time absorbing the things of the world than the things of God. When we take the time to turn off the television, the video games, the radio, etc., and turn to the Bible and prayer, life’s pressures will only bring out words of faith and power. And that’s really what separates mature believers from baby Christians. We can all look holy and devout when we are in church or when things seem to be going well, but the true test of our Christian maturity is how we react under pressure.

When pressures come- and they will- be prepared. Be a sponge that has soaked up the water of the Word and the oil of the Holy Spirit. When you do, pressure will only serve to release the faith-building, strengthening, healing power of God into your situation.