Be Resilient

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11

During their famous expedition, American explorers, Lewis and Clark, faced incredible hardships. On reaching the Missouri River, they thought the worst was over—then they saw the Rockies! Instead of the easy ride downstream that they’d expected, they faced their biggest challenge: retreat or start climbing! Looking back, they realized it was in conquering the Rockies that they gained the confidence they needed for what they’d face later. Scott Peck, author of ‘The Road Less Travelled’, writes, ‘It’s in meeting and solving problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. Wise people learn not to dread, but to welcome the pain of problems.’Sociologists who study resiliency—the ability to bounce back—tell us that people handle trauma in two ways. They either give up because they’re afraid, or they grow up by developing the capacity to handle it. What makes the difference? Instead of acting like victims, resilient people: 1) take charge of their lives; 2) refuse to relinquish their values; 3) refocus on their goal. Noela Evans says, ‘Challenge is a dragon with a gift in its mouth. Tame the dragon and the gift is yours.’ Quitting is always simpler than enduring. But it produces a pattern that’s hard to break; one you live to regret. So if you’re thinking, ‘This relationship is too hard, I want out,’ or, ‘This job isn’t what I expected, I’m quitting,’ remember, you develop resiliency by remaining faithful in situations you don’t like and can’t change. That’s why the Bible says, ‘We give great honor to those who endure.’

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the challenges You place before me. I know that only by Your power can I achieve what You want to do through me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen