Resilience
“The Lord is my strength and my song”
(Psalm 118:14)
Definition
To accept that there will be difficulties in life. To see these as a challenge and not to be discouraged. To search for your inner strengths and faith to get you through personal challenges.
Biblical Sources
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 30:5. “…Weeping may endure for a night. But joy comes in the morning.”
Perseverance
‘O God, put a steadfast spirit within me.’
Psalm 50:12
Definition
To persevere is to do good when it becomes hard to do or obstacles are put in the way. A person with perseverance can be relied upon because they are committed to seeing things through to the end.
In the New Testament perseverance occurs 31 times. It has the meaning of ‘steadfastness’, ‘endurance’ and ‘constancy’. The actual word does not appear in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), although ‘steadfast’ appears many times and recalls God’s steadfast love and the people are called constantly to be steadfast.
Endurance and constancy are passive having the meaning of enduring whatever comes:
Luke 21:19 “By your endurance you will gain your lives.”
Romans 8:25 “If we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”
James 1:3-4 “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
2 Peter 1:6 “and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness…”
The Letter to the Hebrews (12:1-3) places perseverance within the context of a race (a lifelong journey) in which the Christian must have ‘staying power’ gained by fixing their eyes on Christ so that they do not become weary and give up. Perseverance is therefore closely linked to being a faithful and hopeful friend of Jesus.
Why Practice Perseverance and Resilience?
Sometimes it is important to understand that there are some things we have to accept. We will have challenges in life but these can be an opportunity for growth. Therefore, it is important that we commit ourselves to ensure we keep going and see things through. If we persevere, this will help us to become more resilient in facing personal challenges. There will be some things we cannot change and some we can. Through the experience of these challenges we will develop the wisdom to discern the situations that are in need of perseverance and resilience.
When we persevere, even when we have doubts, in our hearts we remain committed. When we are resilient we can cope with the doubts because deep down we know where we stand and are committed for the long run.
How do we Practice Perseverance and Resilience?
We practice perseverance and resilience when we are steadfast and have the staying power to commit to seeing things through. We don’t give up when things get hard because our motivation comes from within. We can be relied upon to stay focused.
You will stand by your friends even if you have fallen out, had disagreements or they are having a hard time.
You are like a strong ship in the storm and do not allow yourself be blown off course.
Psalm 106:
Some sailed over the ocean in ships, earning their living on the seas.
They saw what the Lord can do, his wonderful acts on the seas.
He commanded, and a mighty wind began to blow and stirred up the waves.
The ships were lifted high in the air and plunged down into the depths. In such danger the sailors lost their courage; they stumbled and staggered like drunks – all their skill was useless.
Then in their trouble they called to the Lord, and he saved them from their distress.
He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet.
They were glad because of the calm, and he brought them safe to the port they wanted.
They must thank the Lord for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them
Signs you are Resilient and you Persevere:
- You don’t let doubts stop you from trying
- You are not afraid because you know you are not alone
- You ask God to help you grow through your personal challenges
- You take one step at a time – You keep going!
- You complete what you start
- You are a reliable classmate
Reflection Questions:
When in your life have you been like the Hare?
When in your life have you been like the Tortoise?
Who persevered? How did they show it?
When might you need to practise perseverance?
Quotes:
“You who believe seek courage and prayer, for God is with those who are patient and persevere.” Qu’ran 2.153
“Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do , when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.” Thomas Huxley
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Taoism.