Hard-Pressed Between Two | Pastor Jeff Williams

The Open Door Church 337

Message: Maybe you had to choose between two things? Hard-pressed is having a difficult decision and choosing which way to go, better or best, or the better over the more needful.

[Testimony of Better and Best, Salt and Light]

What is better and what is best or needed? Accepting Christ is a newest, an abundance, but it is also a life of affliction and sacrifice for others and yourself. Christ gave Himself for us so we could give for others.

There are 2 things going on in today's scripture regarding difficulty in the decision making process. It is two good things, serving Christ is this world and enjoying Him in another. One is better and the other is best, living for Christ and living with Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul chooses "better" which are perilous times, so through him others would find Christ and rejoice. In Philippians 2:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 16:22, there is a call to love others, live out an abundant life because Jesus will live out His promises, and a warning of being cursed without Christ. It is a call not to be the same as the world, and an expectation which exalts Christ. When we answer the call and wholly commit to be used by God on this earth, we will be hard-pressed but not unto death, with a promise of a coming life. While we are waiting, experience His abundant life in this world, making a difference in this time and place, so others see Jesus in us and cry out to Him. Let the world see our neediness for Jesus. Living according to His will; it will let them see a reflection of His image, life and work. The transformed life is an example to others, leaving no argument.

Seek the Lord to give you a voice and opportunity to increase the boundaries of your territory, letting Christ be seen in us is to have Him high and lifted up. Let the light and salt of Christ come out in you, someone way want what you have. We are encouraged in Jude 1:21-22 to make the most of opportunity to make a difference with your hands. In having compassion, you may help pull somebody out of the fire.

Let God use your story, your hard-pressed times, to display a life undefeated and joyful.

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-24 "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." - NKJV