When
reading biographies of Christian martyrs, it's impossible not to be amazed by their
character strength to endure hardship and pain. They refused to give in to
pressures and temptations and abandon their commitment to Christ and his church.
Their faith paralleled St. Paul's, who was willing to face death rather than default on
his faith in Christ. "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he
is able to keep that which I've committed unto him against that day."
President John F. Kennedy acknowledged
this strength of character. "When the going gets tough, the tough get
going." Defectors and traitors usually are despised because they portray a
weakness of character like Judas, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of
silver.
Resilience is a character strength that
enables each of us to overcome adversity and hardships we're bound to face. Pain
is inescapable, but St. Paul declared that he rejoiced in suffering because he
knew that suffering produced perseverance, another good synonym for resilience.
Standing up to adversity strengthens your faith in Christ Jesus.
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