What can I learn from stress?

2 Corinthians 1:4He [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.

Stress exposes our limitations and forces us to rely on God’s limitless power and love. Sharing what we learn from stress can encourage others.

Galatians 6:9So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Our temporary earthly struggles will lead to blessings in the end, both on earth and in eternity. Stress is easier to face when we know the results are worth it.

Psalm 86:7I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.

Stress puts great pressure on our health and relationships. It is a warning sign that we are being stretched to our limits and that beyond those limits we could snap. But stress can be positive if we learn and grow from it. Just as a muscle can only grow under stress, so our wisdom and character can only grow under the pressures of life. As we look for what God is teaching us in our stressful times, we will become better equipped to deal with stressful situations in the future.