Pressure > Capacity
What is Stress?
Stress is that gap between the demands placed on you and the strength and time you have in meeting those demands.
Exodus 18:17-18, ESV
Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.”
Exodus 18:23, ESV
“If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
Matthew 11:28-30, NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
1. Our Capacity Increases When We Know Who We Are
John 8:18, NASB
“I am He who testifies about Myself.”
Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
2. Our Capacity Increases When We Know What We Are Called To Do
John 8:14, NASB
“Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going.”
John 18:37, NKJV
“…To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth…
Luke 4:43, NKJV
“I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other places, too, because that is why I was sent.”
2 Peter 1:10-11, NIV
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiastes 4:6, NIV
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
3. Our Capacity Increases When We Are Supported By Others
Mark 3:14-15, NASB
14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, 15 and to have authority to cast out the demons.
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12, NIV
There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
4. Our Capacity Increases When We Take Time To Rest And Recover
Mark 6:30-32, NLT
The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and what they had taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. They left by boat for a quieter spot.
Exodus 20:9-10, GN
“You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to Me.”
2 Chronicles 36:20-21, NRSV
He took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had made up for its sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.
Hebrews 4:9-11, NIV
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest.
5. Our Capacity Increases When We Put God First
John 5:30, NASB
“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
John 8:29, NKJV
"He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."
Galatians 1:10, NKJV
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
“Prince of Peace”
• (Prince) Sar: The one in charge, Lord, chief, general.
• (Peace) Shalom: Rest, tranquility, wholeness, completeness, contentment.
Psalm 4:8, NIV
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 29:11, NIV
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Acts 10:36, NLT
This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Romans 5:1, NIV
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:33, NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.