But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Proverbs 4:18 (ESV)
When my dad was a young man, he leased farmland near Pierson, Iowa. For several years he bought seed and planted—and then watched as a terrible drought dried up his crop forcing him to go deeper and deeper into debt.
After three years of frustrating adversity, dad gave up farming for good—but refused to file for bankruptcy. Instead, he moved his family back to his hometown to be close to supportive family and friends and hired himself out to a local farmer—working hard for the next three years to pay off the debt.
My dad is my hero. He displayed amazing resilience which allowed him to accept and adapt to his situation and move forward. Resilience provided the emotional strength to cope—and helped him utilize his resources, strengths, and skills to overcome a difficult challenge and work through his setback.
Resilience begins with accepting—meaning I understand that adversity is real and common, and it will happen in my life. Instead of asking “Why me?” perhaps a better question is, “Why not me?” *Someone once asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?” “Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who can take it.”
Resilience thrives though adapting—meaning I acclimate to my circumstance by focusing on my resources and my strengths and by remembering what is true, good and beautiful in my life. It also means staying connected to my Heavenly Father, who urges me to trust Him and not lean on my own limited understanding.
Resilience inspires forward movement—meaning as I entrust myself to God, I am strengthened to face my problem and seek a creative solution. Adversity often has good implications for my life, and it will contribute to my overall sense of well-being when it is allowed to do its work.
Proverbs 4:18 says it is possible to increase in understanding just like light grows from dawn to full day sun. I want my life to be characterized by greater insight, wisdom and resilience—a character quality that redefines setbacks into just what I need—God appointed opportunities for growth.
*Four Dimensions of Human Health Personal Development Experience, Ben Bost and Kent DelHousaye 2019, Love and Transformation Institute, Resilience, Section 4.7.