Closing out seven months of a bold journey with my One Word, Resilience, beckoned me to time spent on reflections of Resilience revelations so far. Though a word which fails to conform to many of the usual methods of exploration; it boasts a depth well worth the effort of engagement.
The lessons so far, speak deeply into my life. I created a special page on my blog where all my Resilience posts live, please take the time to read past posts for more insight into my journey.
Pursuing a practice of meditating on biblical examples of Resilience, this month landed me with the Apostle’s Paul’s reflections of resilience in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
With much to digest in these verses, Resilience invited me to a banquet where I feasted on a deeper illustration and understanding of my bold word friend.
reflections of resilience origins
Reflecting on the genesis of my journey, I recalled the generally accepted definition of Resilience. Marked by the idea of having a ready ability for recovering from misfortune, its etymology from the Latin, resilientem (normative resiliens) present participle of resilire to rebound, recoil (re—back = salire to jump, leap); reveals the concept of “rebounding” as in a spring’s response when extended and released.
From reflections of Resilience origins we often view resilience as an individual’s capacity for coping with stress and adversity.
But this popularly accepted view of Resilience falls well short of what the Apostle Paul intimates in the verses above. Oddly enough, science provides a fuller understanding of Resilience through its definition as used in physics.
Resilience, as understood in physics, is a material’s ability to absorb energy when deformed elastically, and release that same energy when the initial stress unloads, without creating a permanent distortion.
Additionally, the material’s “rebounding” was not the result of its own energy, but that of the outside force.
Certainly, the Apostle Paul’s description in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 indicates the very property of Resilience we know from physics.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
resilience in the christian life
Another property inherent with a physical material’s Resilience in physics is reflected in a stronger, better material than before the stress. Bible narratives abound showcasing the reality of the truth Paul expounds in 2 Corinthians.
The Christian life illustrates not only the positive ability of adaptation and recovery in hardship, but the evidence of transformation for the better as a result of the hardship.
Consider the story of Joseph; at first the favored son, then slave, outcast, and prisoner. Only to emerge in time to a position of respect and power.
Or Daniel, a descendent of King David, resident in the royal court known for his wisdom and intelligence, carried captive to Babylon, eventually, like Joseph elevated to a position of respect and power.
And even the Apostle Paul; well-educated, taught under famous rabbi Gamaliel and on the way to becoming a rabbi himself; meets Jesus on the road to Damascus, is blinded, and ends up spending three years in the wilderness. Incredibly persecuted throughout his ministry, but arguably the most powerful Apostle of Christ.
biblical reflections of resilience
Each of these heroes of the faith and many more throughout the pages of our Bibles, testify to facing troubling circumstances without distress; perplexity without despair; persecution yet not forsaken by God, and cast down by suffering, though not destroyed.
Pressed out of measure, altered; yet transformed, by the very hardships which threatened to destroy them.
In the lives of Joseph, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul, as we meet them before, during, and after the hardships preserved in the scriptures, the Holy Spirit reveals victories the caliber of which no mortal man is capable.
What sets these men apart is their steadfast faith in God. A faith sourced in hope yet unseen; but which oozed Resilience from every pore of their being. Testifying the power which preserved them and wrought their victories was solely of God.
reflections of resilience
My reflections on Resilience left me with a better understanding of my bold One Word friend, but they also left me with a question. Looking back over Paul’s reflection in 2 Corinthians, I wonder if verse 10 provides the key to Resilience?
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:10
Paul describes biblical Resilience evidenced in our encounters with troubling circumstances, grief, persecution, and devastating suffering redeemed by the power of God. For Resilience in the life of the believer proclaims the greatest story ever told.
As fragile vessels, we hold the treasure of the gospel by the express design of God, that its excellent power pours forth by God’s power and not our own.
In every encounter with hardship, we illusrate the dying of the Lord Jesus; while God’s resurrection power in the form of Resilience shows forth life in Christ Jesus, a glorious victory.
So then, perhaps the level of Resilience seen in my life is directly proportionate to my submission to God in the midst of my suffering. Yielding the realization that Resilience speaks the gospel story through the resurrection power of God living in me.
I love how you are plumbing the depths to find the true meaning of resilience. The explanation is fantastic. I think of 2 Timothy 2: 20-21 – another reference to vessels and I see the words ‘prepared for every good work’. And I do believe that God builds us up, if we allow Him, to be strong and resilient in preparation for the work He has called us to.
‘Word friend’ – that’s such a great way of talking about our One Word. I’m gong to borrow it!
Thank you Corinne for your very encouraging words! My “word friend” (so glad you like my little endearment) Resilience, has certainly taken me for quite the journey! What great insight using 2 Timothy! I had not quite thought of it that way, thank you!!
You’re right, Donna. There is quite a feast in this passage of scripture in 2 Corinthians. I love how you bring science into it as well about the material being stronger after the stress. So interesting!
Thank you Lisa for reading my post! I am still chewing on all God had for me in 2 Corinthians. Having memorized the passage, I continue to ponder its riches!
Donna, I love how you broke that word down for us. Etyomology, Physics and biblical examples. You painted the picture well. I’m learning resilience experientially as I walk this cancer journey and I’ve found your words to be true, ” its excellent power pours forth by God’s power and not our own.” This battle I’m in is not mine. I do not have the weapons or fortitude to fight. God fights it for me as I stand in confidence that He will, We will get the victory.
Thank you Calvonia for your kind words! I praise God you found this post a genuine blessing along your hard path. I am so sorry you are walking a journey with cancer; may the God of all comfort not only comfort you, but strengthen you with His unfailing love. Indeed this lesson on resilience for me has kept me focused on the source of all strength for every situation: our Loving, omnipotent, omniscient and ever present Heavenly Father.
You’re setting an example of reflection for me, Donna! I need to stop at some point to ponder the lessons REST has yielded so far!
Yes, Michele, that was my thought. Rather than racing ahead, a time to savor lessons so far seemed a good idea!
You’ve given me lots to ponder regarding resilience God’s way, Donna. What I have gleaned thus far is that we grow in resilience not from our own strength to endure, but by drawing closer to God and from the redeeming power of His grace!
Lynn, you hit the nail on the head for me in my journey with resilience, by saying “resilience God’s way”. That is the place where God has taken me most often. He created me to be a survivor, and I rarely quit anything, but I think God wants me to see true resilience does not come from my own efforts, but through Him. Because ultimately if resilience was based on personality type or a stronger effort on our part, where would God be glorified?
That’s why I love the verses in this article and the concept that we are but earthen vessels; His strength is our resilience-which preaches the gospel!
Resilience has been such a deep well, and I appreciate you sharing the spring waters you have gathered, so both of us are refreshed.
Lisa, resilience has been a deeper well than ever I expected! I stand amazed at all God has revealed to me. Thank you for joining me in the journey!
This: “For Resilience in the life of the believer proclaims the greatest story ever told.” Beautiful Truth! Your post made me think of this quote by Nik Ripkin in The Insanity of God, “After every crucifixion there is resurrection.” Resilience in Faith is a powerful thing. Thank you for bringing out the power and hope God has for us within this word!
Maryleigh, I love that quote by Nik Ripkin! In fact thinking of the resurrection as I wrote was very much in the forefront of my mind. I wanted to share that concept, but ended up leaving it out.
Donna, what a beautiful, interesting, and engaging piece. Your insights here have encouraged and enlightened me. It is so glorious that we have “Yielding the realization that Resilience speaks the gospel story through the resurrection power of God living in me.”
Thank you so much Deborah for reading. I appreciate your encouraging words. All praise to God who fills my heart with His word to share with others!
So fine, Donna, and as I read of your meditations on ‘resilience’ I try to dovetail my ‘diligence’ into this. Yet, I struggle. I have been conflicted for a while, but continue to pursue ‘diligence’ in my life, in my walk. I am going to reread this post of yours at least once to hone in on the beauty I sense here. I am so filled with gratitude to God to have been led here this day. Thanks for sharing this beautiful walk of yours.
Linda, I praise God you arrived here today and found a sweet drink of water. This year’s word for me has been a true challenge, it has not felt as comfortable as others I have had. I think the wrestling is good my friend. Stay the course and release any idea of what you thought your journey might look like with diligence, and allow God to show you His perspective on that word for your life. Sometimes we must wait for the beauty!
What a powerful and thought provoking post, Donna. Thank you so much.
Dianna, thank you my sweet sister for taking the time to read my post! Praise God it spoke to your heart!