Text: James 1: 2-4; Rom 5:3-5 Date: 4/8/24
Introduction
The journey of life is paved with challenges, ups and downs. To lead a triumphant Christian life, reign as Kings and Priests and fulfil destiny requires the ability to withstand difficulty and bounce back after facing challenges. The world today is faced with a lot of problems. Nigeria is faced with a lot of challenges. We need resilience now more than ever before. The month of August is our month of Resilience (James 1:2-4).
What is Resilience?
Resilience is the ability to withstand and recover from difficult situations.
James 1:2-4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV): “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Examples of Resilience
There are examples of resilience in the scriptures:
Job lost everything (wealth, health and children) but remained faithful to God and bounced back.
Job 1: 21-The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. (NIV)
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned but he endured and bounced back to become Prime Minister in Egypt.
Gen 50:20-You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)
Paul faced numerous trials including imprisonment, beatings and shipwrecks but he remained dedicated to spreading the gospel.
2 Cor 4: 8-9-We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)
How to develop Resilience
In this month of August, God will help us to show resilience. In order to develop resilience:
A. Trust in God’s Promises
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
B. Persevere in Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV): “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV): “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
C. Prioritise fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV): “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Galatians 6:2 (NIV): “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
D. Focus on eternity
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV): “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV): “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Challenge
What challenges are you facing today? Are you down? God will raise you up again in Jesus name.
Conclusion
In the world today, we need resilience. In Nigeria, we need resilience to enable us to stand firm in our faith despite challenges. We need to trust God, preserve in prayers, prioritise fellowship and focus on eternity.
Prayer Points
Father, strengthen me to withstand the challenges of the world and Nigeria.
Almighty God, help me to persevere in prayers
Lord, help me to prioritise the Kingdom