All of encounter adversity in our lives – no one can escape it. What causes some people to bounce back from difficulties while others become overwhelmed? The dictionary defines resilience as follows,
1. The power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched.
2. The ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like.
We see from this definition that resilience implies you are encountering a difficult situation. The Apostle Paul provides helpful advice for developing resiliency in your life,
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, (Romans 15:4-5)
When you’re encountering difficult situations you need perseverance and encouragement to overcome. According to this passage, how can you develop resiliency in your life?
1. Paul emphasizes the importance of preparation. He reminds the readers that the Scriptures were written for our instruction. Resiliency is not developed in a difficult situation but rather it is revealed in the difficulty. The time to prepare for adversity is before it comes. Researchers have discovered that Navy SEALs prepare themselves before a stressful situation so that they are able to remain calm under stress. A consistent practice of reading and reflecting upon God’s word can provide you with a spiritual foundation to trust God when you encounter a crisis situation.
2. Next, he mentions the priority of knowing God. He recognizes that God is the true source of perseverance and encouragement. In spite of his accomplishments, Paul exclaimed, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” (Philippians 3:10). What is your initial response when you face difficulties? He realized that God was the true source of his strength and comfort.
3. Finally, Paul reminds his readers of the significance of fellowship with one another. His desire was that they would be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. This underscores the necessity of having a support system in place when you are facing difficulties. We are designed by God to live in community with one another. You need to know that there are people who are for you and that you can count on them when you are facing difficulties.
Paul experienced incredible difficulties but he also demonstrated remarkable resiliency. He writes, “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Several verses later he encourages his readers, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day” (verse 16). When you encounter difficulties may you respond with perseverance and encouragement so that you may not lose heart.
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University
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