The Pressure Of Time

Most times what we call Pressure of Time is not the pressure of time at all. Though it appears to be, when well examined, we will realize the problem is not that we are running out of time. One day during the final year period of my undergraduate studies, I was on my way to the library and one of my roommates then stopped me. He is one of those people who were wondering how I maintained a good academic record. I thought he had a very important thing to tell me but he ended up with, 'Chris (he laughed), do you know your mates are already in Shell'.

I looked at him as a very foolish person and then entered the library reminding myself that I've got my own path to follow. And this is exactly the problem most of us are dealing with: we have failed to realize we have our path to follow. We do allow the seeming success of others to make us feel we are behind time or behind others. And this kind of reasoning appears to be the greatest source of pressure. We blame time when we should be blaming the undue comparison that is actually putting pressure on us.

To many, the problem is not that they are where they are at this time in their life. Their problem is that Femi is somewhere else. Had Femi been different, they would not have felt as much pressure as they feel. Say to yourself, 'I am not behind anyone'. It does matter where you're today, you should never allow yourself to feel behind anyone because life should not be measured in relation to another person. It is not good to feel nonchalant when others are making an effort, but if this is not your case, you have no reason to feel behind. YOU'RE NOT BEHIND ANYONE because the lane is not the same. The timing too is not the same for everyone.

If you don't deal with living your life in comparison with others, you will never be happy. Don't let anyone or anything make you feel behind or feel like a failure. If you're in the village today, do your best there. Be faithful there. Be happy there. David used to be in the bush. During a very important family meeting, his presence was not even considered as being relevant. He appeared to be behind. At least others were called for the interview but not him. His CV couldn't even make it to the shortlisted. But he was a very faithful bush boy. When he finally arrived at the scene, he moved directly to the front to the amazement of everyone.

While I was in the university, some people were like; 'If you had not discovered your purpose, then you're totally unserious with life'. But Purpose is hardly a thing to discover once. Most of the time the best way to fulfill your purpose is to be faithful in whatever today presents to you. Have you ever wondered how exactly Jesus must be feeling during those years that he was yet to start manifesting his calling? Until he was about 30, Jesus was seen like everyone else. Some people might have felt he was an unserious guy but when he finally got started, he became the talk of the whole world and achieved more in about 3 years than people are able to achieve in a lifetime of trying and trying.

When you understand that you have your path to follow, you will cease the comparison and enjoy this precious process of becoming. Paul said: 'When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.' (2 Corinthians 10:12). Be wise! Be patient! Be calm! Be confident! No one can take the pressure off you except you. Sometimes we think the pressure and stress are coming from outside but actually, it is from inside. What is coming from outside is triggering what already exists from inside. If you've come to trust the Lord, you will have no fear of the future, you will make no undue comparison and you will be confident in your journey no matter how slow things might seem today.

I believe one of the greatest demonstrations of our faith is refusing to be pressured by what is happening or not happening to others. See your walk with God as a personal thing. What is that God's voice in your heart telling you? Walk hard, dream big, till the ground, plant the seed, cast your bread upon the waters, and surely in due time you will find it. Say to yourself and say it always, 'I'm NOT BEHIND ANYONE'.

(In part 3, I will present 'The Ultimate Solution to the Pressure of Time'. You will surely love to read it.)