The Benefit of Hindsight预览

Under Pressure

It’s an old adage that stress reveals character. When the going gets tough, it tends to peel away any sort of pretense we may have built up around ourselves, and our true demeanor and nature are revealed.

Do you find this to be true, men? When life gets stressful, do you find that you are your truest self?

More importantly, do you like who you are when your days are filled with difficult people and circumstances?

It is most likely true that difficult times reveal our true character because we tend to go into “survival mode” when faced with trials. We are our most reactionary selves when confronting the problems life throws at us.

The things that come out under pressure are not usually the thought-out measured responses we wish to exhibit to the world around us. Rather, our actions are the “natural” expressions that simply find their way to the surface.

If you are anything like me, these are probably not your best or proudest moments. But they are a reality that we have to reckon with.

In today’s text, we are presented with a king (Ahaz) who reveals his true colors and teaches us that even when faced with opportunities to change direction, we do not always make the best choice.

Ahaz didn’t start his kingship well (see 28:1). He was already departing from the ways of David (who, let’s not forget, was far from perfect himself). He did not love the LORD or lead the people in faithfulness to Him.

So, God did what God does.

He let Ahaz receive the consequences of his actions and choices. These consequences are always intended to draw people back to God, but it’s far from automatic. As we saw in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 , it takes a choice to be humble and repent for God’s restoration to happen.

Ahaz didn’t do that. Today’s verse is a stark reminder that broken people can make broken and bad decisions. When faced with difficulties, Ahaz revealed his true character. Instead of taking the opportunity to run to God, Ahaz ran away from God.

Men, how do you respond to the challenges of life? Do you lean into God, or do you rest in your own understanding? What do the difficulties of life reveal about your character?

Prayer: God, I want to be committed to You, but my heart is often still weak and fickle. Please continue to shape my character so that what is revealed in my difficulties is more of You. Amen.

Reflection: What is your most difficult situation right now? How are you leaning into God for wisdom, strength, and guidance?