From "Pressure" (Heavenward Bound, June 2026)
In this issue of HB, we examine three incredible women of scripture who lived in high-pressure situations and consider some lessons we can learn about handling various forms of pressure in a godly manner.
2 Kings 11/2 Ch. 22 tells the story of Athaliah, the queen regent who nearly destroyed the royal family of Judah. Athaliah’s wicked son Ahaziah had been killed by Jehu after reigning one year (2 Ki. 8.26; 9.27). Her sister Jehosheba, wife to Jehoiada the High Priest, secretly steals the infant grandson of Athaliah (Joash, the now heir to the throne) and hides him/his nurse in a “bedroom”, which was properly a storage room for mattresses & other sleeping materials in the Temple. They stay there for six years, hidden within the Temple complex by the priests from Athaliah’s rage.
Under pressure, Jehosheba selflessly risked her life to protect the vulnerable. Though she was not this child’s mother, this brave woman became the mother for this child Consider the risks: If Athaliah catches her, she dies. . Secondly, Athaliah likely wasn’t ignorant of this child’s existence: How she must have hunted and torn Jerusalem/Judah apart looking for this lost heir to the Throne. Third, imagine the secrecy involved to keep an infant/toddler/small child hidden for years!
And yet, by finding her purpose in selflessness, Jehosheba saves the ONE surviving member of the royal line of David, the very child through whom the promises of Abraham would be fulfilled! God’s promises were providentially secured because Jehosheba did not allow the pressure of self-preservation to prevent protecting a vulnerable child.
Pressure tests whether we think of ourselves, or others. When we feel pressure, we are tempted to think of ourselves first. It’s easy to donate to a cause or need if we’re financially stable, but less so when struggling, right?
The 2nd great commandment is not contingent on how we’re doing. Jesus taught that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this can come with tremendous risks! We are called by God to consider others as more significant that ourselves. Phil. 2.3-4: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Sometimes pressure means you’re doing something right.
- If we feel the pressure of temptation, we’re likely doing something right!
- If we feel the pressure of society pushing us to adopt their evil ways, we’re on the right side!
- If we feel the pressure of providing for a family, we obviously care for their well-being!
God knows of your pressures. Remember His promises. Pray. Find your purpose in serving others.
Kyle Sanders
Kyle has been preaching since 2016 in Chiefland, Florida and Clinton, Mississippi before coming to work with the Jamestown church of Christ in 2021. Before preaching, he spent several years as a high school mathematics teacher in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. Kyle is a teacher at heart and brings his love of studying and interacting with students into his preaching and teaching efforts. He and his wife, a native Hoosier, have been blessed with five children, two dogs, a full house and zero leftovers.