Pressed Down Beyond Measure.
2 Corinthians 1:8 says, For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
Pressed out beyond measure or a marble? If you are a marble you would not be pressed out. You would not be pliable. You might be good for running into other marbles. We need to be changed from our old rigid selfish nature into a new pliable nature that God can mold us into for His good pleasure. The more you yield unto God the more you will become Christ-like. If you are pressed down like a grape or an olive you can be changed into sacrificial wine or oil. This works with giving: physically, emotionally, spiritually, sacrificially, prayerfully, and monetarily. Here are some examples;
Lu 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. {Applies to all examples}
1Sa 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. {of a sorrowful…: Heb. hard of spirit,} {Emotionally}
Isa 26:16 LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them. {prayer: Heb. secret speech} {Prayerfully}
Ac 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
{God’s gift poured out to those who yield to His will} The best is poured out to those who yield to God and pour out themselves to God. Are you pliable or a marble?
In Christ,
Greg