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Resilient

We give great honor to those who endure... The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11

Scott Peck says, "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) assert control and take charge of their lives 2) refuse to relinquish their values 3) find God’s purpose in the problem 4) refocus on their goal. During their famous expedition, 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 they’d expected, they faced their biggest challenge - go back or start climbing! Looking back, they realized it was conquering the river that gave them the confidence they needed for what they’d face later. 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. It’s always easier to stop for a doughnut than run another lap, but it produces a pattern that’s hard to break. So today if you’re thinking, "This relationship’s too hard, I want out", or, "This job isn’t what I expected", remember, you develop resiliency by remaining faithful in situations you don’t like and can’t change. So, don’t give up! God gives "great honor to those who endure".

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me run the course, face those things that seem so difficult I wonder “how” and to not give up! Help me to see that in these situations you are shaping and molding me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen