Ezekiel 1:1-3, “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.”

Hey OTP Family! I am excited today – it is always a blessing to discuss the word of God. Today I want to discuss one of the tools God uses to push his people into action – Pressure. Ezekiel’s story is a great example of our ability to recognize God in tough situations, in hard times, when dealing with heartbreak and disappointments, etc. We cannot allow external pressure to keep us from walking out the will of God for our lives.

Let’s first talk about pressure. By definition, pressure is continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it. (2) The use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation  to make someone do something. (3) The influence or effect of someone or something. (4) The feeling of stressful urgency caused by the necessity of doing or achieving something, especially with limited time.

The enemy likes to use pressure against the people of God to get them to act against their best interest.

But remember, pressure makes diamonds! And God does not put more on us than we are able to bear.

Ezekiel was in the Babylonian Captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar. He was among the first wave of Judahite exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BCE, after the Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered Jerusalem. Specifically, he lived in Tel Abib, a settlement on the Chebar River in southern Babylonia, along with other exiles. It was during his time in exile, Ezekiel began his ministry as a prophet, receiving visions and messages from God.

Stretch your imagination with me to understand the type of pressure Ezekiel and the children of Israel had to be under. Just by the nature of being held captive by their enemy – Everything they previously had the freedom to do was no longer an option for them. They were removed from their home and taken to a strange place where they were no longer free to honor their own customs. The only sense of normalcy was being in captivity with his fellow countrymen. Being in captivity is full of pressure.

In spite of the pressure of captivity, Ezekiel began his ministry.

It is a mercy to have the word of God brought to us, and a duty to attend to it diligently, when we are in affliction. The voice of God came in the fullness of light and power, by the Holy Spirit. These visions seem to have been sent to possess the prophet’s mind with great and high thoughts of God. To strike terror upon sinners. To speak comfort to those that feared God, and humbled themselves.

The book of Ezekiel, written during this period, is a significant part of the Old Testament, focusing on themes of judgment, restoration, and hope.

Diamonds are formed under pressure.

Diamonds are renowned for their hardness and resistance to compression. They can withstand significant pressure without losing their structure. Under extremely high pressures and temperatures, diamond can transition to more stable structures.

We are also built to handle pressure. It is during times of pressure that God reveals his strength to us. When we are weak he is strong. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He invites us to his glorious rest. Matthew 11:29-30.

Relinquishing control to God eases the impact of pressure.

Sometimes we have a white knuckle hold on things and refuse to realize our reluctance to let go is only working to increase pressure. However, when we take our hands off the steering wheel of our life, God is able to take over to guide us where we need to be.

Matthew 6:34 and Luke 12:25, teaches us that our thoughts should not be consumed with the things that causes pressure, for dwelling on them does not change anything – so we don’t worry. But we serve a God who is able. A God who can give us peace in the most high pressured situations. A God who speaks to us in the midst of life’s pressures. Just to show us his power, and his mighty control.

Yes, we are living in uncertain times that are full of pressure. Despite this, we are calm and confident. Calm – free from agitation or strong emotion, disturbances or violent activity. Confident – knowing we can rely on God. We rest in his presence. Psalms 91:1, teaches us of the secret place of the most high. That place of protection and comfort. We abide under his shadow and bask in his goodness.

This is how we deal with the pressures of life. We don’t have to run from them. We don’t even have to fully understand them, but we are calm and confident that we will survive them. That we will thrive in them – in spite of an enemy who thought the pressure would take us out. He didn’t know he was only making diamonds!

Just like Ezekiel, you can do the work of God in the midst of your captivity. Pressure makes diamonds! Find God in the midst of your pressure.

Have a blessed night.