2 Corinthians 1:8  For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:  Years ago I was reading the label on an airasol can.  It read, CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE.   It was a warning to be careful how the can was handled or it might explode!  Immediately  I thought of the pressures of life, of ministry, of the labor force.  In our text we find Paul, though a great man of God,  telling of a  time when the pressure was so intense, he didn’t know if he would survive.  Life is a journey of hills and valleys, ups and downs.  Families as well as individuals face all kinds of pressure.  Financial pressure, the pressure of physical ailments as well as spiritual battles.  Let’s consider how we might deal with the pressures that face us.  We have our Lord first as an example.   He was able to keep a proper perspective as He determined to stay close to the Father.  A life of prayer, of doing the right thing, of looking at the pressure with an eternal perspective,  will surely help.  When I’m faced with pressure that sometimes seems unbearable,  causing sleep to flee, I’m reminded of these words often found in scripture… AND IT CAME TO PASS!  Praise God the pressure didn’t come to stay, it came to pass!  It’s a test.  Remember the tv or radio broadcast being interrupted with… this is a test of the emergency broadcast system, had this been an actual emergency you would be instructed of necessary action in your area… The devil wants us to believe it’s an emergency, when in reality it’s only a test. A test of our faith, and a test of our faithfulness.   When you’re tempted to explode, take a deep breath and remember… my God is still on the throne, and though I don’t understand,  I believe he loves me, and will help me THROUGH this trial. Amen.  Pastor