Salt, Light, and Second-Milers - Part 3

It is not uncommon to want to measure up to the problems life presents to us.  It takes resilience and courage to tackle issues in ways that are productive and healthy. Confidence and knowledge are required to advance toward meaningful goals. Thomas Babington, the English historian, said, "Knowledge advances step by step, not by leaps."

I once talked to an aspiring musician who demonstrated unusual insight for  achieving his goal. He believed studying history, science, English, and math would enhance and hone his capacity for being a composer. Acquiring knowledge step by step demanded persistence and dedication that he was willing to expend.

The good news is, steadfastness can be acquired. Listen to David's prayer to God in Psalm 51:10. "Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me." God rewards those who desire steadfastness and who will allow it to become a constant in their lives. Would you, like David, ask God to give you an unwavering spirit and a pure heart so you can serve him?

Bouncing Back and Pressing On - Part 3

Society has always needed heroes, both real and imagined. These heroes, whether men, women, or children, demonstrate unusual courage in times of crisis or great need. Ordinary people are saddened or angered when their heroes fall short of expectations. We express admiration, however, for those who display resilience and recover with dignity.

Resilience enables a person to bounce back from failures to face their shortcomings. The alternative is to continue holding on to anger and remaining reluctant to admit wrongs, such as acting in ways that hurt others and damage their relationships. Even when threatened by great loss, any semblance of repentance is strangely absent.

When repentance is rejected, the heart is hardened and sin gains a foothold. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Jesus is more than a hero. He is Lord and Savior and able to melt a heart of stone by forgiving the worst sin imaginable. God's grace will sustain you through any hardship following your choice to change.

Bouncing Back and Pressing On - Part 2

There were thousands of people who came to our city of Houston from Vietnam and other Asian countries to escape the ravages of war. What has amazed me is the resilience of these people to overcome numerous hardships and become responsible citizens making significant contributions to our society.

Resilience is an inner strength that makes it possible to keep an objective identified clearly and in sharp focus. Albert Einstein, the German-born physicist, developed the theories of special and general relativity. He acknowledged that God gave him the insight to develop these formulas and prove they worked.

The Apostle Paul suffered numerous hardships but said his faith was strengthened by adversity. His attitude is an antidote for discouragement because it testifies of humility and resilience rather than conceit and failure. Listen to Paul's declaration from Philippians 3:8. "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus." This affirmation can be your source for resilience.  

Bouncing Back and Pressing On - Part 1

Resilience and determination go together. Surviving temptation depends on these two God-given character strengths. Each person, however, can be unwilling or unable to claim these gifts from God. Victimology is the study of people who consider themselves victims of circumstances that have resulted in personal suffering and pain.

A young adult characterized the victim syndrome. "Why doesn't God cut me some slack? Why is life always a struggle? When will I get out of this murky pit?" Most of us have been there at some level in life's journey. Resilience derives from an inner maturity that enables a person to recover from unpredictable, unexpected change.

Resilience helps you keep a clear focus on God's purpose for your life. Peter, one of the twelve Apostles, demonstrated resilience after denying that he knew Jesus. He got up from the pit of shame and guilt to press onward, becoming the rock on which Jesus would build His church. You can rise up from failure and return to fellowship with Christ Jesus.