As a tribute to back to school week – here’s a pop quiz:
What is the difference between being resilient and persevering?
Well, this has been an interesting quest for me as of late. Though the two are quite similar, what I am realizing is resilience requires quite a bit more discipline for me. Life has stress, no way around it. Trust me, I have tried to avoid it! There’s hope though – there can be a balance between the stress of distress and eustress (healthy stress that stimulates growth). So how does one recover readily from adversity?
Being resilient to me looks like no matter which stress I am facing, I am quickly centered on the truth. That truth is; there is a design for this, I am safe. I am loved and my Father sees and hears me. If my Father is for me, what can stand against me?
The answer to the pop quiz: The definition of resilient is returning to original form or position after being bent, compressed or stretched. The definition of perseverance is a steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc… especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement. The difference is one you are the energizer bunny and keep going and going. The other you are a nerf ball and no matter what you are facing, you are quick to return to action.
Stress stretches your faith. In Romans 5:3-4, “…we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Becoming resilient when stressed empowers your faith and takes your perseverance to another level of depth. God’s truth gives a confidence to walk boldly. You may not know where your next step is taking you or where your path may lead, but you do not have to either when you trust your Heavenly Father.
Life’s storms will blow all around me. I will get stretched and bent in those storms, but I will remain on solid ground.
The conversation we had about these words really inspired me to look further. I love how you sorted through it with such eloquence. Keep writing lovely friend, you’ve got a gift!!