“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36.
I read two stories of stark contrast. One concerned a promising high school football player who fractured his neck during roughhousing and became paralyzed from the chest down. Within several years, he committed suicide. The other story was about a boy who suffered a neck fracture in a childhood accident and was paralyzed from the neck down. By his senior year in high school, this young man had become an accomplished artist by painting with a brush in his teeth. One soared in spite of a seemingly impossible handicap, while the other sank into a deep depression and took his own life. They had the same situation but ended with different outcome and result.
Why the difference? Why do some have the resilience, or perseverance, to bounce back from overwhelming circumstances while others do not? Is resilience something you are born with, or is it a skill to be developed? These questions began to seriously attract the attention of scientists after World War II. Some individuals bounced back from their horrible experiences during the war, while others could never recover from the trauma and failed to lead productive lives. Much has been learned since those days, and the results were summarized in an article in Time magazine (“Bounce Back,” June 1, 2015). The term resilience, as used in the magazine article, is the ability to recover and continue in life’s pursuits no matter the problems and obstacles encountered.
Perseverance is the ability to persist in life’s pursuits in spite of difficulties and obstacles. The difference between the two words is more of tone. Resilience suggests a more optimistic approach to problems, while perseverance suggests a more dogged persistence. Since the Bible’s use of perseverance is usually associated with optimism in reaching the long-range goal, they are essentially the same then. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James. 1:12. God has rewards for those who persevere, who continue to live in His will, despite difficulties. They are set on course for both natural and eternal success. This is the reality of those who build their strength on God and His promises irrespective of their circumstances, they will be rewarded with uncommon success.
FURTHER READING:
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” Prov. 4:25-26.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, I confess prosperity in my life today. You said that If I meditate on Your Word day and night and observe to do all that is written therein, I will make my way prosperous and have good success. Thank You, Father, that I prosper spirit, soul, body, socially, and financially. My spirit prospers. The Holy Spirit of God dwells in me and leads me into all the Truth. He gives direction to my spirit and illumination to my mind. I grow up unto spiritual maturity, the fullness of Christ. Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Psalms. 58:1-11.
Psalms. 59:1-17.
Psalms. 60:1-12.
Psalms. 61:1-8.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“You Will Never Be Able To Correct What You Are Not Willing To Confront. If You Must Correct It, Then Confront It. “
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria.
http://www.thefortresschurch.com.
email: info@thefortresschurch.com.
