Change, Challenge, and Convictions of Steel - Part 1

Stress is an inescapable fact of life. Too much stress interferes with job productivity and personal effectiveness in relationships. Physical pain and illness can be stress-related. Research indicates that it isn't situations that overload a person with stress, but how situations are perceived. Resilience, the ability to flow with life's events, is a major factor in limiting the effects of stress.

Resilience is attributed to emotional and physical hardiness. Hardiness indicates toughness of character, strong convictions, and the ability to endure change. People with hardiness of mind and soul have the ability to perceive change as a challenge that's intertwined with their convictions.

What builds convictions made of steel like those possessed by the Christians at Thessalonica? The Apostle Paul attributed this to their unrelenting, passionate faith in Christ Jesus. This gave hope for the future and determination to do the work Christ Jesus assigned them. While this is energizing, it also keeps stress at an acceptable level.