How Can We Become More Resilient?
Studies have shown that one of the major keys to endurance, grit and resiliency is setting a long-term goal, one that is so inspiring you are willing to sacrifice and persevere through difficult challenges, for an extended period of time, in order to achieve it. This could be completing a post-graduate degree, training for a marathon, joining the military or even how you persevere in marriage or in raising a difficult child. The long-debated question has been, are there certain people “hard-wired” for resiliency or is this something that can be taught/learned?
One thing that most people seem to agree on, is that characteristics such as patience, loyalty, critical thinking, self-sacrifice, and endurance are less apparent in the world today, than in previous eras of history. The “testing” of a global pandemic revealed the state of most human beings’ mental and emotional health and the lack of ability, for many, to prevail under stressful circumstances, it was not good. I will not sadden you or re-traumatize you with the statistics, but as a mental health professional, I can tell you the impact COVID had on people worldwide, extended far beyond the physical effects, with life-altering implications that could potentially impact generations.
It is from this perspective that I was inspired to write this; times of difficulty are sure to come again, and so how do you ensure you and your loved ones or those to whom you disciple are prepared? And not just to survive, but truly flourish in the days ahead? If we use the researchers’ proposal of setting a long-term goal, one worth sacrificing for, in order to attain it, what does that sound like to you?
This is our mandate as Jesus followers. To endure suffering in this life as we set our eyes on the prize of Heaven- eternity with our beloved Savior awaits us. During our trials, that we might look forward to the day we run into the arms of the Father. Despite feeling defeat and discouragement in the darkest of life’s moments, that we have a Comforter that never leaves us. When the world around us is shaking, we can stand firm, equipped with God’s promises, found in His word, to gird us up, anchor us in truth, even in times of doubt and disbelief. And knowing we can rest, with an angelic army fighting on our behalf, day and night.
Unlike the analysis by the world, attempting to find the correct “formula” for resiliency, as Believers, we already possess the keys to victory, bought and transferred to us, at the Cross. Let us set consistently the ultimate goal before us, may we run the race with endurance, supernaturally powered by the Holy Spirit within us, knowing a greater glory awaits.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. -2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. -Colossians 3:2 ESV
But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. -Matthew 6:33 AMP
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV
Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God. -Hebrews 2:2 NLV
God bless your month, dear ones. May you feel strength and perseverance rise up on the inside of you, more than ever before, as the Lord Himself leads you into triumph in EVERY battle!
Gratefully,
Jessica Stone
