RESILIENCE

RESILIENCE 

Written and published by Jean Louis Mondon  

 

Definition: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

Synonyms: persistency, perseverance, fortitude, freedom.

Here are some virtues highlighted in the Bible that are part and parcel in our Christian way of life.

Adaptability

 We need to learn to adapt to the circumstances that God has chosen for our lives to be forged into an instrument for service. click on the link: https://lightnseed.blogspot.com/2014/03/tempering-our-weapons.html

Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.… Paul in Philipians 4:11

Persistence

 Jacob Wrestles with God
…27“What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. 28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” 29And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.…Genesis 32:28.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: 2“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, 5yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’ ” 6And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. 7Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? 8I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Luke 18:5

Perseverance 

In Peter´s epistles, perseverance is presented as a crucial Christian virtue, particularly in the face of trials and suffering. 1 Peter emphasizes that believers are called to "stand firm" (1 Peter 5:12) in their faith and to rejoice in suffering, knowing that it produces perseverance and ultimately, glory (1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13). 2 Peter highlights the importance of adding perseverance to one's faith and virtues (2 Peter 1:5-7)

In Galatians 6:9 , Paul advises, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.… This promise of a future reward serves as motivation for believers to continue their ministry with perseverance.

Paul´s testimony

You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance, 11my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,…2 Timothy 3:11

Fortitude

Fortitude, in the Bible, is demonstrated through courage, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of adversity, often linked to faith and trust in God. Examples include Abraham's obedience, Moses's leadership, Joshua's charge, Job's endurance, and David's victory over Goliath. In the New Testament, Jesus's example and Paul's letters highlight fortitude in enduring suffering and trials.

God Commissions Joshua
…8This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. 9Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. 

The LORD is My Salvation
1Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? 2When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.…Psalm 27:1

Freedom 

The Truth will Set You Free
31So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.... 

For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”a 15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. Galatians  5:1-13 

”Living in the Spirit
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,…

to read more about freedom, click on the link: https://thelightseed.blogspot.com/2011/12/freedom-is-believers-birthright.html

Jean-Louis.