Becoming Resilient—by Justin Renton

Resilient = the ability to withstand and recover from difficult experiences and setbacks and come back stronger.

Deuteronomy 31: 8 The Lord himself will go before you. He will never leave nor forsake you.

Life is hard and we need a resilient spirit. Life has many potholes that discourage us. If you win the battle against despondency, you can overcome many other obstacles.

Joshua 1:9 The Israelites had to fight 31 battles to conquer the Promised Land. They lost against the small town of Ai, another against five kings, and faced a potential civil war. 

Joshua 10:25 Joshua tells them what was most important—it wasn't about strength but dependency on God.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David told Solomon the same thing. Be strong and courageous. David knew life was not fair, and he'd face many challenges.

As God's children, we are victors not victims. We make bad decisions (dating, career, moral) when we are discouraged, and give in to fear. 

2 Chronicles 32:7 There is greater power with us than in the world.

Do not be afraid. To be resilient, you need to deal with fear. Identify it, name it and let it go.

*Write down 3 potential fears you have right now.

How to overcome discouragement?

Remember the Lord goes before you and will not leave you; God is with you on your good days and on your worst days; there is greater power within you than with them.  We often think God could create the world but can't take care of our problems. 

What stops us from becoming resilient?

*Forgetting God is with us; we stop listening to him – Exodus 6:9 when discouraged by yr circumstances/temptations and no longer believing his promises. We look at life and interpret it wrong. Romans 10:17 faith comes from reading the Bible.

2 Corinthians 1:8–9 Trouble and pressure make you depend on God not yourself. 

Trust God is with you.

Watch the full service here (the sermon starts at 40mins)