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THE PRESS FOR PESS

“But may the God of all grace, … after you have suffered a while, Perfect, Establish, Strengthen, and Settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NKJV)

I’m by no means a sadist, but there is something to be said for the suffering God permits in the lives of those with a personal relationship with Him through Jesus (please note the deliberate use of the word “permits,” and its clear distinction from “inflicts,” with the hopes that the ensuing insights will help exonerate God from the many tragedies and “acts” wrongly attributed to Him). Our dialogue excludes spiritual attacks from dark forces and the suffering exacted by human acts of cruelty – both topics for another day.

Today’s focus references the challenges that arise in the usual (and unusual!) course of life, which are beyond minor irritations, interruptions, inconveniences, grievances, or the like, and which give rise to significant or prolonged pain that permanently mark us, either positively or negatively. A positive example would be Jacob’s wrestling match with God’s Angel – it changed his trajectory but branded him with a spiritually significant life-long limp from a dislocated hip. A negative instance would be the bitterness that marred Naomi’s soul and threatened to engulf her in misery and life-long poverty had her daughter-in-law’s faithfulness not stirred a divine intervention.

Suffering … and Sundry

A superficial reflection on our theme scripture suggests that an objective for which God allows suffering in His children is to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle them. Other versions utilize variations of the terms “restore”, “support“,“strengthen,” and “place you on a firm foundation“ to describe the same concepts. If this presupposition is true, it is wise to secure an understanding of each aspect of the end so we can better comprehend, maneuver and abide the means.

“Suffered” in Greek (paschó; pathontas) means to have experienced ill-treatment, harsh conditions or unfavorable circumstances, and also represents the heavy and passionate emotions such negative experiences impose.1 It would seem that suffering can be multifactorial and produces multifaceted outcomes.

Suffering … Is Seed

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.2

It seems to me that a lot of mental, physical, financial (and likely other kinds of) labor go into agronomical processes. Not for the lazy or faint of heart, the science of growing crops and cultivating soil is no small undertaking. If this is not a prime example of suffering, especially when embarked upon manually, I don’t know what is. This allusion is corroborated by the Scripture above, which highlights the grievous hardships associated with this preoccupation. The exacting labor coupled with the heart-wrenching sacrifices of priceless seed have the ability to elicit strong emotional responses.

The seed of suffering comes in different types and shades. It can exist in the form of a long and arduous process of becoming,3 a prolonged season of waiting,4 unusual hardships,5 rejection and disdain,6 taxing and exacting training7, tests and trials,8 etc. I have often heard it said that there is no growth without change, and there is no change without pain. A greatly beloved mentor and spiritual father, Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide, often says, “There is no star without a scar!” In other words, you cannot become a person of noteworthy impact without enduring and overcoming significant adversity. This was the essence of Paul’s encouragement to the Romans –

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us … I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love …“9

This prevailing, conquering attitude is the premise on which every such person eventually reaps bountiful harvests and enjoys endless cycles of overwhelming rewards!10

Suffering … Is Served

Everyone will experience challenges that result in various degrees of suffering at some point or the other. For the lover of Jesus, all of such challenges have great value beyond terrestrial living; they equip for both earthly AND heavenly destinations!11

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.“12

“You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver. We were captured in a net. The burden of slavery was laid on our backs. A cruel leader oppressed us. We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance.“13

“Then He sent someone to Egypt ahead of them – Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household, he became ruler over all the king’s possessions. He could instruct the king’s aides as he pleased and teach the king’s advisers.”14

“Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, Am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you, and I gave Cush and Seba to make you Mine. Because you are precious to Me, because I honor and love you, I will give other people in your place; I will give others to save your life.”15

“If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.”16

Suffering … Is Saved

I was reminded of this truth recently when a friend texted about problems and tears. An excerpt of my response is as follows: “For the believer, the tears shed due to problems are not wasted; God stores them in His jar of remembrance17 – I believe as vapors of petitions that continually go up to Him as memorials18 and incense19, acting as intercessors that give Him no rest till He establishes20 … Those tears if handled right also make us pioneers of victory in the areas of our pain so that enterprises, communities & movements are birthed through them.21 So our tears (and by inference, suffering) are never wasted; they can accomplish much in the spirit because they are Spirit-powered intercessors & pioneers in their own right.“

The fact that God gives beauty in return for the ashes of suffering and double blessings for all the trouble and pain endured22 is a solid attestation to this great truth!

Suffering … Is a Setup!

I was deeply immersed in writing this article when I heard the phrase, “Tests and trials are life’s examinations!” through a podcast I was playing in the background, and the speaker went on to quote several of the verses used here. He then proceeded to say “Generals are forged through the fires of affliction! STAY!! Build stamina! Eat, for the journey is yet long! RECEIVE STAYING POWER!”

Most, if not all articles on this platform are spiritually inspired as they relate to a particular theme or topic, regardless of when penned or released. Without fail, the spiritual confirmation (through another person or medium) always comes a couple of hours or so after the article has been posted, giving assurance that it will accomplish the purpose for which it was inspired in the person(s) for whom it was intended. Today’s article was inspired by a message I listened to last week, and which is referenced below – One Thing Thou Lackest23 (I strongly urge you to listen/watch it if it is all you will do with what I’ve shared). Its confirmation, as well as several others I have received while writing this, are unusually early but give added assurance that this particular discourse is a timely and needful reminder (or an insightful perspective) someone really needs to hear right now. Please take time to assimilate these truths. Search out, study and meditate upon the scriptures shared. Allow God’s Spirit to highlight and speak relevant, applicable, and individualized concepts to you.24

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”25

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened … Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.“26

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”27

God utilizes the suffering He permits as a marvelous setup for our glorious future! He turns it around for our good and uses it to create eminence and distinction!28

Press for PESS

“... But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.“29

So we get the press (a picture is worth a thousand words!) aspect of this discussion, but what is PESS? PESS is an acronym I made up some years ago in my personal Word study to remember in exact order the various outcomes of our theme Scripture. It stands for:

Perfect – The dictionary definition of the verb form of this word is as follows: “To make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible“30 Spiritually speaking, it means to optimize someone or something, upgrade a person or thing to the consummate version of themselves. It conveys a sense of completion, fulness, and sufficiency (not a lack of flaws or faults as implied by the dictionary). See further Biblical context in Psalm 138:8; 57:2; Philippians 1:6; James 1:4, Matthew 5:4, etc.

Establish – To found or set up (an organization, system, set of rules, or facts) on a firm or permanent basis; achieve permanent acceptance, existence, or recognition; show (something) to be true or certain by determining the facts.31 The Biblical connotation involves permanence or perpetuity; the person or thing being established is in it for the long haul. See Psalm 1:3; 125:1; 112:7-8; 2 Samuel 7:11-16; Proverbs 24:3-4; 3:19-20, etc., for further context.

Strengthen – This word requires no fancy dictionary description. It simply means to fortify, reinforce, bolster, secure, succor, support, or to make impenetrable, indefatigable, indestructible, or indomitable. See usage and further context in Psalm 18:2; 29; 32-34; 37-45; 118:14; Hebrews 11:32-34; Judges 14:6; 19; 15:14; etc.

Settle – In my mind, this word has the same connotation as “establish.” Where the former represents mental, physical, spiritual, or ideological structures i.e., vertical construction, “settle” denotes lateral construction i.e., securing or colonizing a particular terrain, area, or discipline, confirming indisputable ownership, rulership or legitimate presence or occupancy, or the resolution of a previously contended issue. It conveys a termination of all controversy relating to one’s property, status, rights, and just rewards. Great examples are seen in Genesis 12:12-33; 30:25-31:13; Psalm 107:35-38; 41-42; Daniel 6:1-3, 2 Samuel 5:1-12; etc.

We press for PESS by actively wielding the Word of God – i.e., by carefully and habitually studying, contemplating, gleaning new and greater insights and truths which equip for successful living,32 listening to,33 applying, AND speaking it34 (i.e., using its inherent power and creativity to produce in real-time God’s promises and our desires).35 WE MUST ACTIVELY ENGAGE (versus passively acknowledge or assent to) THE WORD TO MAXIMIZE LIVING AND TO OPTIMIZE perfection, establishment, strengthening and settlement in every aspect of life.

Friend, press for PESS using the perfect36 and perfecting tool of God’s Word. Receive a fresh revelation and appreciation of its import in perfecting, establishing, strengthening, and settling your life and destiny! Forget the pain of your past and reach for the pleasures of your future by basking in God’s healing love, limitless strength and glorious plans for your life! While all you have attained is great, there are many more feats to accomplish, lives to save, territories to capture for Jesus, and greater impact to be made. I pray that you and I will refuse complacency of any kind, rejecting the doldrums of self-centered living. May we continually press for PESS in every area of our lives and enjoy a superior, God-centered, purpose-driven life. May a fresh passion for His Word grip our hearts and shoot us into untold heights and remarkable results!

**For questions on how to get to know God personally, grow in your relationship with Him, or other inquiries, please email: [email protected]**

***Lovingly dedicated to Bishop David Olaniyan Oyedepo, one of the mightiest men of the Word I know, my spiritual father and mentor – a true spiritual juggernaut and pedagogue of his time, a man of impeccable integrity and inspirational faith – in commemoration of his 70th birthday!***

Bibliography

  1. 1 Peter 5:10. New American Standard Bible Lexicon, Bible Hub. Retrieved on September 28, 2024 from: https://biblehub.com/lexicon/1_peter/5-10.htm ↩︎
  2. Psalm 26:5-6 ↩︎
  3. Hebrews 2:10; 5:8-9; Genesis 37:18-36; 39:1 – 41:46 ↩︎
  4. Proverbs 13:12; 19; Psalm 26:1-2; 40:1-3 ↩︎
  5. Acts 9:15-16; Isaiah 53:4-5; 7-8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 4:8-12 ↩︎
  6. Isaiah 53:2-3; 7-8; Matthew 13:53-57, Luke 17:25 ↩︎
  7. Hebrews 12:5-13; 10:5-9; Philippians 2:6-8 ↩︎
  8. Matthew 3:4; Luke 1:80; Exodus 2:15; 21; 3:1; James 1:12-13 ↩︎
  9. Romans 8:35; 37-39 ↩︎
  10. Amos 9:13; Joel 3:18 ↩︎
  11. 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18 ↩︎
  12. 1 Peter 1:6-7 ↩︎
  13. Psalms 66:10-13 ↩︎
  14. Psalms 105:17-22 ↩︎
  15. Isaiah 43:1-4 ↩︎
  16. 1 Peter 4:14 ↩︎
  17. Psalm 56:8; 30:11; Isaiah 61:2-3; 2 Kings 2:2-3; 5-6 ↩︎
  18. Acts 10:4 ↩︎
  19. Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4 ↩︎
  20. Isaiah 62:7 ↩︎
  21. Psalm 84:6-7; 107:33-43 ↩︎
  22. Isaiah 61:7-8; Zecharaiah 9:12; Job 42:10-16; ↩︎
  23. One Thing Thou Lackest (Perfected Through Knowledge) by Apostle Joshua Selman:
    https://youtu.be/H-fWSeZJaXY?si=pRGzvZEsRsQn9B ↩︎
  24. 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:10 ↩︎
  25. 2 Corinthians 4:17 ↩︎
  26. 1 Peter 3:13; 4:1 ↩︎
  27. John 16:33 ↩︎
  28. Genesis 50:20-22; Romans 8:28; 35-39 ↩︎
  29. Philippians 3:12-14 ↩︎
  30. “Perfect.” Oxford Languages, 2024, Oxford University Press; Retrieved September 28, 2024. ↩︎
  31. “Establish.” Oxford Languages, 2024, Oxford University Press; Retrieved September 28, 2024.  ↩︎
  32. John 8:31-32; 36; Romans 8:2 ↩︎
  33. Romans 10:14; 17; Galatians 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Mark 4:24; Luke 11:21; 28 ↩︎
  34. 2 Corinthians 4:13; Psalm 107:2 ↩︎ ↩︎
  35. Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 33:6; Romans 4:17-21; Genesis 1:1-2:1; Proverbs 18:23-21 ↩︎
  36. Psalm 18:30; 19:7; James 1:22-25 ↩︎

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