“Life is difficult.”  That is the first sentence of M. Scott Peck’s book The Road Less Traveled.  He encourages the reader, “Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult.”  As you go through life you will need to demonstrate a spirit of determination coupled with a high tolerance for pain.  People with resilience are able to learn from their mistakes – to  repeatedly face the challenges, get up, and move forward with renewed determination.

The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier as he describes the Christian life,

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.  (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

Paul knew firsthand the hardship soldiers face – the military is not for the faint of heart.  I remember as a midshipman being involved in an amphibious invasion, I had been up for almost 24 hours and we were involved in a mock firefight on a cold, rainy night – the marine next to me smiled and said, “Ain’t this fun!”  I’m not sure “fun” was the adjective I had in mind but I knew we had a job to do.  A soldier must be willing to endure hardship and so will you if you are to achieve your God-given purpose in life.  As I go through life I see those lessons of perseverance, tenacity, and resilience come back with amazing regularity.

Are you facing a challenging situation in your life?  Remember that life is difficult but God is with you as you face your challenges.  Are you despairing over your situation?  This post may encourage you to keep on running the race:  Developing Perseverance – Overcoming Despair.  Are you wondering if you have what it takes?  You may want to assess your level of “grit” in this post:  Do you have True Grit?  Finally, what are the practical steps involved in developing resiliency?  Here’s some practical advice Paul gave to the Roman Christians:  How Can I Develop Resiliency In My Life?

As you seek to achieve your God-given purpose in this hostile world, resilience will enable you to bounce back.  Be encouraged by Jesus’ words to His disciples the night before His crucifixion,

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University