“Press Into the Pressure – You Will Break Out In the Kingdom”

Years ago, the Lord shared a profound truth with me, one that resonates deeply with those who have tasted the fruit of success:

“There are two kinds of pressure – the pressure of failure and the pressure of success – they just have a different outcome.”

 

Failure and success both can engender soul-crushing pressure – they just have a different consequence and result. To those who have never experienced great successes in life you might believe “coming into your own” or seeing “your ship come in” as it were – that then you would be out from under the pressures of life that often accompany struggle, poverty and shortcoming. Nothing could be further from the truth, which is why Paul made the following statement:

[Phl 4:11 KJV] 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

If you are someone who has experienced both great failure and great success, you will no doubt agree that the pressure of success is much, much greater than failure. It is also true that the life lessons and coping skills that you learn during the time of downturn and struggle are the same lessons that apply and will help you navigate the rigors and challenges of success.

This statement about success, poverty and pressure may seem paradoxical. After all, isn’t success what we all strive for? Isn’t it the antidote to the anxieties and struggles of failure? The truth is, success, carries its own unique set of burdens. While failure can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair, success can usher in an even more insidious form of pressure – a pressure that isolates, tempts, and can ultimately erode our spiritual foundations.

The Weight of Expectations

When we achieve a certain level of success, the expectations – both internal and external – begin to mount. We feel the pressure to maintain our position, to constantly prove ourselves worthy of the accolades and recognition we’ve received. The fear of losing what we’ve gained can become a relentless taskmaster, driving us to work harder, longer, and often at the expense of our relationships, health, and spiritual well-being.

This pressure can manifest in different ways:

• The pressure to perform: We become trapped in a cycle of striving, always pushing ourselves to achieve more, to reach the next milestone. Rest and contentment become elusive, replaced by a constant need to validate our worth through accomplishment. My advice is this: be yourself. There is no way you can maintain the façade of being “God’s man of faith and power” in the long term. Find that calling, that task in life you are most uniquely suited for and apply yourself to that purpose. You will find much joy and peace in this pursuit that will otherwise elude you.

  For myself, I can say that my life at this point is past the top of that mountain of striving to fulfill my purpose in life. I can say in many areas of my life that I’ve arrived – having seen the faithfulness of God take me higher than I ever dreamed I would go. Of all the prophecies I’ve received and things God has promise – many, if not most of those things have seen their fulfillment – yet the struggle with pressure and challenge continues.

• The pressure to please: Success often brings with it a wider circle of influence. We become acutely aware of the expectations of others – our colleagues, our followers, our families. The desire to meet these expectations can lead to a sense of obligation and a fear of disappointing those who look up to us. Remember this – there is no grace from God to be found in being a people pleaser. Getting caught up in this challenge can be a sure indicator that you really haven’t aligned your life with your true calling in God.

  One of the things God taught me early on was “never listen to your critics.” They are usually of that company of men and women one minister described as the “do-nothings who have nothing better to do than to be armchair quarterbacks (as it were) thinking they know better what you should be doing when in fact their own lives are not of a character you would want to see reproduced in your own life. Thus, you should choose your counselors wisely. They can’t give you what they don’t have.

• The pressure to maintain appearances: Success can create a public persona that we feel compelled to uphold. We may find ourselves hiding our struggles and vulnerabilities, projecting an image of perfection that is both exhausting and unsustainable.

  In this particular challenge, there are things like ministering to large crowds, reaching the masses, publishing a best-selling book, etc. Also, there are personal things like living in a big, nice house and driving a nice car that can be perceived as benchmarks of fulfillment and success. Personally, I’ve done all these things and been thankful for all God has made possible – but I’ve also come to the point in my life that while I could live in a nice house or minister to crowds of thousands (FHM reaches about a million visitors each year, with a quarter of a million subscribers to the Daily Prophetic Word – so I’ve seen success spiritually and naturally in many (but not all) areas and as a man measuring the scope of my life I don’t feel like I have anything to prove. This being the case then, obedience is not about climbing the mountain as it were, but rather “occupying,” as Jesus said – conducting my life in such a way that the Father can say on that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The Temptation of Pride

Success can be a fertile ground for the sin of pride. When we achieve great things, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our accomplishments are solely due to our own talent and effort. We forget that every good gift comes from God and that He is the ultimate source of our success.

Pride can manifest in subtle ways:

A sense of entitlement: We begin to feel that we deserve the success we’ve achieved, that we are somehow better than those who haven’t reached the same heights.

For myself, I’m as prone to pride and ego as the next person – although I don’t feel that ambition, holy ambition is a dirty word. Nonetheless I know, I am acutely aware that the success in life and ministry I’ve enjoyed has nothing to do with my talent, ability, skill or even anointing. My successes are born of the grace of God and say nothing about my qualities or abilities and everything about a loving God who takes vessels marred in the smoke of frail, flawed humanity and bringing glory to Himself.

A lack of gratitude:

We can lose sight of the blessings in our lives and focus instead on what we still lack. We become ungrateful for the gifts God has given us and take His grace for granted. In all the pressures I deal with on a daily basis there is one thing that brings instant relief and peace to me in the midst of the storm. I call it the “alchemy of gratitude.”

If you are struggling with negativity, fear, pessimism and a cynical attitude fraught with anxiety and trepidation let me give you an almost instant anti-dote – thankfulness. I can’t tell you how many nights at 2 and 3 a.m. I’ve laid awake under bone crushing pressures and I just stopped and began to thank God for the big things and the little things – like my little house, a reliable car, a friendly fur-baby and instantly the pressure and darkness lift and I drift off to sleep in the arms of Jesus, my Lord and elder brother who has been so good to me regardless of how undeserving I really am.

A spirit of independence:

We can fall into the trap of relying on our own strength and wisdom, forgetting our need for God’s guidance and provision. We become self-sufficient, believing that we can handle anything life throws our way. This is a tricky one. Because people around you who think you should listen to their counsel are often people who know nothing of the walk you walk, thus their suggestions and advice are at times not as helpful as they think they are if you would only do what they say. Use wisdom here. I personally hate the isolation that I feel at times realizing I have very few peer relationships – and those who are moving in the things of God far beyond my experience are usually too busy, understandably, to give of themselves and their time to help me through things I need answers concerning.

The Isolation of Success

Ironically, success can lead to a profound sense of isolation. As we climb the ladder of achievement, we may find ourselves surrounded by people who are more interested in what we can do for them than in who we are as individuals. Genuine relationships become harder to cultivate and maintain, and we may feel a growing sense of loneliness even amidst the crowds.

In my own life, particularly since my late wife’s untimely death, loneliness has been a soul-destroying weight. I have nothing but respect for men and women who’ve spent years without a spouse, a companion to come alongside and share the joys and burdens of the life. One thing I know – is I’m not one of those “married to Jesus” types. I know in an intimate way why God said “it is not good to be alone…” But I also know that many men and women make bad mistakes, rushing into relationships, etc., through dating apps etc., realizing too late they hadn’t quite thought things through. Yet in all of these things let me encourage you that God sees, and He takes responsibility for even this area of your life and you can know that the day will come when things will be different for you as you continue to trust Him.

This isolation can be exacerbated by:

The fear of vulnerability:

We may hesitate to share our struggles and doubts with others, fearing that it will damage our reputation or make us appear weak. If you are in ministry, you are acutely aware that showing weakness can be the death of your ministry. As ministers of the gospel, we hear a lot about leaders being “real” and “authentic” but then when they are seen to have feet of clay those same people often pull back and go on their way looking for someone who in their view is “larger than life” and “head and shoulders above the rest.”

The lack of common ground:

Our experiences may become so different from those around us that it becomes difficult to relate to others and find shared understanding. This is another aspect of success that others don’t often realize. We think we know what success should look like and then when you peek behind the curtain of someone we respect, someone who has succeeded in life, we become disillusioned and the mundane nature of what that looks like on a day-to-day basis.

The demands on our time:

The pursuit of success can consume so much of our time and energy that we have little left to invest in meaningful relationships. One thing I learned about wealth early on is that it really doesn’t have to do with how much you have in the bank, but rather how much time is available to you in life’s pursuits. I am busy beyond words on a day-to-day basis nonetheless I do have flexibility to make room for important things and people who represent my calling, my purpose and my inner circle as well.

Navigating the Pressure of Success

So how can we navigate the treacherous waters of success without succumbing to its pressures and temptations? Here are some biblical principles to guide us:

• Cultivate humility: Recognize that all our achievements are gifts from God. Practice gratitude for His blessings and acknowledge our dependence on Him. (James 4:6, 1 Corinthians 4:7)
• Prioritize relationships: Invest time in building authentic relationships with family, friends, and mentors who can offer support, encouragement, and accountability. (Proverbs 18:24, Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Practice Sabbath rest: Set aside regular time for rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually. Remember that God Himself rested on the seventh day of creation. (Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:27)
• Seek wise counsel: Surround yourself with people who can truly offer godly wisdom and guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I’ve spent much time, energy and money getting into the lives of those who I know carry things in God that I need to learn from. Make the effort, don’t expect to be pandered to or babied. Stay focused on this and you won’t be disappointed. (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22)
• Maintain a kingdom perspective: Remember that our ultimate goal is not worldly success but to glorify God and build His kingdom. Keep your priorities in alignment with His will. (Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:23)

The True Measure of Success

In the eyes of the world, success is often measured by external markers – wealth, fame, power. But from a biblical perspective, true success is defined by our faithfulness to God and our obedience to His commands. It is measured by the fruit of the Spirit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)1

As Christians, we are called to live counter-culturally. While the world chases after fleeting pleasures and worldly achievements, we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This doesn’t mean that we should shun success or avoid positions of influence. But it does mean that we must approach success with a spirit of humility, gratitude, and dependence on God.

The pressure of success is real, but it is not insurmountable. By relying on God’s grace and following His principles, we can navigate the challenges of success and use our influence for His glory. May we all strive to be faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us, using our success to bless others and advance His kingdom.