I have a deep desire to “let my ceiling be their floor“, as it pertains to the most important life lessons, many of which I didn’t grasp until half-time (I’m over 50).
Resilience is one of the most important concepts I can think of.
Google “stressed youth”, and look at the images. Feel the confusion, the hopelessness, and the anxiety of a generation that should be enjoying the exploration of their own path, and figuring out what works in life. Instead, they have been told to not accept who they are, that they are victims, that they have emotional trauma, and need to escape the path they are on — rather than enjoying the journey of living, learning, and making needed adjustments for a healthy life journey.
Life is hard, y’all! Get used to the fact that we rarely get what we signed up for. We rarely get what we plan for, hope for and count on. That’s why it’s called “LIFE” instead of “FUN”.
The Book of Revelation (think of it as revealing a truth) has at least 8 promises for overcomers (“he that overcometh”). The enemy is trying to win the battle for our souls. If he can make us believe that what we have is unbearable, how much easier will it be to break us when times get tougher?
Resilience is an ATTITUDE. It says,
“Too hard for you–just right for me!”
-CN Original
“I’m going to get this done, no matter what it takes!”
“I will MAKE IT or die trying!”
“I will remain FAITHFUL until the end, whatever that will be.”
To have resilience, you need to lower your expectations and increase your gratitude. You need to employ forgiveness toward others, rather than harboring hurt and offense. Expect little, and appreciate much.
And here’s the trick: None of this is actually hard. And it’s all just a bunch of fluffy positive thinking if you don’t source your belief and your power in the Word of God, who says:
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made!”
-The Bible (NIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”
and,
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
My prayer for this generation (people alive today) is for DISCERNMENT. That they can recognize and accurately separate truth from lies, and good from evil. Acceptance of the positive truth will lead to good things, like
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
“…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”