Business Matters: A Francis Kong DevotionalSample

TOO STRESSED FOR SUCCESS You might know this guy: He walks cautiously but quickly into the office building, eyes daring from side to side. He steps into the elevator and leans into a corner so he can watch everyone else. He frequently glances at the digital readout of floors passed as the elevator ascends. He mutters a quiet prayer that the elevator won't become stuck between floors. In his office, papers are scattered everywhere, all representing work "in progress." He shuffles through multiple to -do lists and tries to remember what life was like before stick-on notes. They litter his work area, their different colors signifying absolutely nothing. Whenever the phone rings, this fellow utters an anguished, "Yes?" He thinks, surely no one else has thought of something else for me to do. I am already committed through year 2018. His wife calls to remind him of their sons starring role in fourth grade play that evening. (This was the day he planned to work late to try and get caught up on some crucial projects.) She also reports her car has been running sluggishly "Oh, and you did remember to mail the mortgage payment so it won't be late, didn't you?" she asks sweetly. By mid-morning our friend begins to look like someone who has been serenaded by chalk squealing against a blackboard for eight unrelenting hours. At 10:30, his boss stops by "Carlo, are you all right? You look terrible. Are you feeling a little stressed out?" "Stress?" he cries. "Stress? I don't have any stress-s-s-s-" as he collapses in a heap. This scenario may seem a bit extreme-and then again it may not. Yes, we all have stress, usually in more than abundant supply. It's a natural and necessary part of life, but when served in the degrees and quantities many of us face every day, it's no way to live. What can we do about it? What should we do about it? Are you this person I am talking about? I have gone through this situation and I still have moments when I have to face similar situations. With Christ, I now know how to handle it better. How do you get recharged spiritually when you're feeling stressed? Pause for a reality check. God is in control and I am not Him. I take a deep breath; I refocus my mind on Christ and remember what He says about resting in Him. I know I am not alone and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. Pray and communicate with the Master! I look for a quiet place. I lift up my burdens to God and this means communications lines are open 24 hours a day and it doesn't need any high-speed broadband connections. I tell God exactly what I am going through and how I feel. And I feel immediate relief. God knows the desires of my heart and He wants me to depend on Him. Challenge: How do you deal with your own stress and challenges?