Isaiah 50:7 I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.
Resilience is the tenacity to fight back after a debilitating knockdown. Sir Thomas Edison looked at his failures as next steps to success. ….He said. “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” Throughout the scriptures we see that only those who pressed on, overlooking the present letdowns, were able to achieve their god-given purpose. Abraham would have been disappointed month after month and year after year for 25 years yet, the Word of God says that he did not waver. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God (Romans 4.20). Likewise, Mordecai, Queen Esther’s uncle refused to be comforted until Esther agreed to be the arbitrator for his people. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them (Esther 4:4). He was able to drive away the fear in Esther by his words of encouragement.
However, the ultimate quintessential example for resilience and perseverance was Jesus. Jesus was fully aware of His ghastly death yet he set His face like flint and went to Jerusalem. The fear or the discouragement of his travelling companions and best mates did not detain Him. The Spirit of Jesus who resides in us imparts the same power in us to persevere in our journey of faith. Resilience is contagious.
Be resilient in your journey of faith and impart resilience to those around you:
1. Perceptions: Resilience is built by deeper insight into the present problem. “Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind the stronger the tree” – Thomas S Manson. When we look at the problem as the propeller into greater heights spiritually and physically, we will not be intimidated by changes/challenges. The challenge is the conduit of growth.
2. Predictions: Resilience grows when the predictions are adverse. We can hide from the storm or hinge on the squall to fly higher. While the economists are predicting recession and downsizing, the resilient who have their faith foundation on Jesus will look at expansion and innovation. God’s prophecies stand way above the world’s predictions.
3. Perseverance: Perseverance is the essence of resilience. Hardships do not and cannot destroy a person who is rooted in faith. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3). The way to be a witness to the world without words is to be resilient and perseverant in suffering. The way a child of God goes through challenges and difficulties will be the true reflection of Jesus in our lives.
Build the muscle of resilience and impart divine perceptions to defeat perturbing predictions. Resilience is contagious.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Prayer: Father God, change my perceptions to fight against the predictions and help me to remain perseverant and resilient to see 2023 as a year of victory. Amen
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