How To Build A Resilient Faith

HOW TO BUILD A RESILIENT FAITH

Introduction

As we move through the phases of recovery in Louisiana, there are many things that make us weary, there are so many questions, there are many unknowns. But for all of those mysteries there are some certainties. I want to encourage you today to have a resilient faith.

Dr. Abby Rosenberg: "Modern psychology and social science define resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.”

Rick Warren: It’s the ability to bounce back. It’s the ability to keep going. Nobody goes through life with an unbroken chain of successes. Everybody has failures and mistakes. We all embarrass ourselves. We all have pain. We all have problems. We all have pressures. The people who make it in life have resilience.

Resilience is one of the most important character traits we can develop as a church and as individual Christians.

In Sports, Science, Education …. and every other field … the ones who stand out are the ones who found the power to be resilient.

The Bible is Filled with Reminders of Resilience

Joshua 14:10-11 [Caleb]...Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me.”

Daniel prayed three times a day - even when it became illegal!

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

And the stories of great men and women of the Bible are stories of resilient faith.

Noah didn’t let any challenge keep him from building the ark.

Moses faced one hardship after another but kept calling on the name of the Lord.

Deborah was called upon to lead Israel into battle and was victorious.

Young Mary was told she would give birth to the son of God

Peter - challenged from within and without - always managed to get back up on his feet.

I want to have that kind of faith - the kind that cannot be defeated - even by my own failures. How do I build resilience into my faith?

We can follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who is one of the greatest examples of resilience in the New Testament.

HOW TO BUILD A RESILIENT FAITH

1. Strengthened Your Relationships.

Paul’s ministry was always connected with others as he served. His letters are sprinkled with personal notes to individuals. His missionary journeys were never a one-man-show - but a team effort. The ‘One Another’ passages in his letters emphasize how important it is to be connected to each other: Serve, Forgive, Motivate, Encourage, Submit to, and over and over again: Love One Another.

One of the sources of strength we have had during this pandemic is the power of relationships with our friends.

This is also a strength of the church - and what has made it difficult that we are not meeting together. I’m thankful for technology to connect - because every relationship is important to my ability to be resilient.

Resilient Faith is Strengthened by Relationships.

2. Choose Meaningful Goals.

Paul was someone who thought about the purpose of his life.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.

2 Corinthians 5:9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.

Philippians 3:15 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Part of having a resilient faith is to set and work toward goals. This lifts our eyes off of the problems and struggles of each day to an achievable prospect for the future. Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose every day. Set goals to help you look toward the future with meaning. Be proactive. Figure out what needs to be done, make a plan, and take action. Although it can take time to recover from a major setback, traumatic event or loss, know that your situation can improve if you work at it.

3. Remember Your Journey.

Paul often reflected on the past and where God carried Him through. He recounts his conversion story at least three times. He remembers how various Christians have played a role in his life. He remembers the struggles.