Crushed But Not Destroyed

By: Randal Myers

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In an article I recently read written by John Gipson, it is noted that the word frequently translated tribulations in several translations of the Bible is from the Greek word thlipsis.ÝÝ It is a term that indicates external pressures which appear to crush and destroy.

The act of pressing or crushing was familiar in the agricultural society of the Bible lands. This word would be used in reference to pressing grapes for instance. Grapes would be placed in a large stone vat. On top of the grapes would be a heavy, flat stone. People (or sometimes animals) would then walk around on the flat stone crushing the grapes into a pulp. Sometimes the stone would not be used but rather the grapes would be tramples directly by the feet of the workers. This would be called “treading the winepress.” As the grapes were crushed, the juice would run through holes in the bottom of the press and into collection containers.

Someone not familiar with the process might conclude that the grapes were being destroyed through this process and that they were ruining the fruit. But to those who were in the know, it was realized that the grapes were not being destroyed at all but rather being pressed into a different form for more effective use.

"Lean on God for the strength to endure."

The same term could also be used of the process of grinding various grains at a mill. Grain was placed between two stones and ground into the floor. The grain wasn’t being destroyed, but rather rendered more useful through the transformation of grinding.

The application to these principles becomes obvious as the term is then used to speak of the trials and difficulties in our lives. Those circumstances in our lives that might at first blush appear to be destroying us may, instead, be the very ones that are transforming us for more effective use.

One significant difference to notice, though, is that the grape or grain doesn’t have much to say about its own use after experiencing the pressure of treading or grinding; but we humans do. Whether our lives become better and our testimony stronger depends largely on how we face the trouble. What is our attitude while entering and enduring the onslaught of tribulations in life? For many the transformation results in anger, bitterness or despair. Others come through stronger, more faithful and of greater value than ever.

The scriptures encourage us to approach these difficult times with anticipation of how God can render us even more effective in performing his will because of the troubles. Just like the grapes, what appears to be destroying the fruit is in reality making it more useful. If we can learn to handle the crushing pressures of life from the correct perspective we can become more useful to God than we ever could without the problems.

Our challenge is to accept our challenges with grace. Lean on God for the strength to endure. And look forward to the redeeming transformation that God promises to make in the lives of those who walk in faith.

2Cor 4:16-17 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

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