In thinking and praying about what I wanted to say related to our discussion today, I could not get away from the word RESILIENCE.

There is much attention being given to this subject and it certainly is something we need to learn more about as we face hard times as a nation and as individuals.  And, I might add that Christians are not, and have never been, exempt from the adversities of life.  So, first allow me to try and define resilience.  Simply put, and to keep it within the context of what I wish to share with you,  it means "possessing the ability to bounce back or recover from adversity again and again or as a way of life".  Resilience is not something we are born with or without, although resilient parents can certainly serve as role models for coping with adversity and adapting to life’s challenges.  But, it still requires that we as individuals devote the time and effort to develop behaviors, beliefs and actions that enable us to find meaning in taking on difficult challenges, to gain personal strength, wisdom, insight and compassion from unfavorable situations, and above all, to tap into the "power of hope".  Resilience is not a new concept for students of the Bible, of church history, and individual Christians who have learned from experience that it can be a synonym for endurance and perseverance.  The Apostle Paul asserts, “…but we …rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance (or resilience).”  But resilience goes beyond merely enduring or persevering.  And Paul, prompted by the Holy Spirit of God, continued by relating that perseverance produces character.   In other words, as we persevere and grow stronger, or resilient, we are changed and even transformed as a person.  And according to Paul, the final stage of this process is hope.  (Romans 5:3-4: Holy Bible) Hope is the belief that no matter how painful life has become it can be good again, no matter how great the betrayal, we can trust again, and this belief can enable us to pick up the pieces of our shattered dreams or broken hearts and determine what we can make out of them.  And we can believe and hope because God promises those who trust in Him, “`For I know the plans I have for you,…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11: Holy Bible) I challenge you to believe the Creator God’s word and become a resilient person. (Romans 8:28-30: Holy Bible)