Some people seem to be more resilient than others. Okay, your background and your “personality type” are going to have some bearing on that. But still, we each have to play the cards we’ve been dealt. So how can you become more resilient in facing the things you have to face?
Back in AD 155 Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna (located in what is today, Turkey) was arrested for refusing to worship the Roman Emperor.
When urged to renounce his faith he famously declared, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?"
Despite many threats, Polycarp remained steadfast. So he was sentenced to be burned at the stake although the flames didn’t consume him, so he was ultimately killed by the sword. That’s pretty drastic and hopefully it’s not something that you or I will ever face. But talk about resilient!
Over a millennium earlier, King David of Israel spoke of a similar thing:
Psalm 34:4-7 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (ESV)
In the midst of his terrible troubles David sought out God, cried out to God, trusted God. And the result? In the midst of it all he wasn’t ashamed … he was radiant. That’s how you lay hold of resilience.
And that’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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