How to Forge a More Resilient Faith
by John Thurman, M.Div., M.A. LCMHC
Do you ever struggle with your faith? I have, and after you read How to Forge a Resilient Faith, you will have additional tools in your faith toolbox.
The need for a resilient faith has never been greater in today’s chaotic world. Yet, how often do you and I find ourselves drifting through our spiritual lives, reacting to the challenges that life throws at us rather than preparing to respond to them with a resilient faith? It’s time to take a stand and develop a faith that is not only intentional but also forged in the fire of active faith, decisive action, a set of moral principles, relentless tenacity, personal accountability, and interpersonal support. This is not about getting through a storm but thriving in the midst of it. Are you ready to rise to the challenge and transform your faith into a powerful, resilient force that can transform your life and enhance your relationships?
In this article, “How to Forge a Resilient Faith,” I will share six key components I have learned over the years as I have studied and taught about resilience. I am in debt to Dr. George Everly’s work in Disaster Mental Health and Resilience for his insights and encouragement.
The First Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is to Demonstrate Active Optimism or a Vibrant Faith.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
A vibrant faith isn’t about idly sitting on your “blessed assurance” and hoping for the best; it’s about getting up, actively engaging in life, and looking for detours when life gives you roadblocks. Even the Israelites had to walk to the Promise Land-they didn’t just hitch a ride. So, are you ready to swap your spiritual flip-flops for combat boots and embrace an active, vibrant faith that rises in the face of adversity, no matter how ridiculous life gets? With this verse in mind, embrace God’s plans for you with an optimistic spirit, knowing a hopeful future is part of the package of the life He has given you.
The Second Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is Taking Decisive Action
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.
Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT
Decisive action means it is time to eliminate your couch potato mentality and lean into life! It is the biblical equivalent of an action hero-think of David running toward Goliath instead of tiptoeing around him. God’s word is not just for passive reflection and to make you feel good; it is a call to action. It is a call to quit living in your secret sin! It is a call to love your neighbor. It is a call to be a man or woman of God. It is a call to lead your family. It is a call to make a difference in your world! So, roll up your sleeves and make things happen, one step at a time. This is your empowerment, your capability to influence and make a difference.
The Third Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is to be Guided by God’s Word
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is applicable to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
The Bible is your spiritual GPS, keeping you on the straight and narrow even when life’s highways and byways are filled with tempting detours. Think of it as an internal Google Maps because the Holy Spirit inspires it without the annoying “recalculating” voice. Hint: to use the Bible as your compass, you need to hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. Think of it as the ultimate field guide to life that requires more than a quick skim; it demands your full engagement so you can navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and strength. Trust God’s guidance; you will never be morally lost in the wilderness. This is your security, your anchor in the storm.
The Fourth Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is Tenacity
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippian 4:13 NLT
Tenacity is more than endurance; it is endurance combined with the absolute certainty that what we seek will transpire. (Hebrews 11:1) Tenacity is about hanging in there when the going gets tough and knowing you have the divine strength of the Holy Spirit backing you up. Take a moment and recall the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel (Genesis 32:22-32). You might end up with a limp, but you will end up with a blessing! The key is to keep pushing forward and know that God provides strength and, if needed, can take on even the most brutal battles.
The Fifth Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is Personal Responsibility
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you,
will continue his work until it is finally
finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 NLT
Personal responsibility isn’t just about owning up to your actions; it’s about believing the Lord has given you the ability to influence outcomes and make a difference. This concept is known as self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is your confidence in your capacity to meet life’s challenges. When you embrace personal responsibility through self-efficacy, you recognize with God’s guidance and your efforts, you are not a passive participant in life. You have the power to shape your destiny, influence your environment, and affect change in your life and in the lives of others. This means taking proactive steps, setting achievable goals, and being convinced that you can overcome obstacles with the Holy Spirit’s help and input from the Bible through perseverance and faith. This is your accountability, your influence in shaping your life and the lives of others.
By developing a strong sense of personal responsibility, you equip yourself to face adversity head-on and encourage and influence others by your example. It is a continuous journey where personal responsibility merges with a deep-seated belief in your God-given ability and giftedness to make a real impact.
Remember, God has given you unique talents, life experiences, and opportunities, so use them wisely to serve others. It’s like being a trustee of God’s grace-handle it with care, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
The Sixth Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is to Understand the Importance of Interpersonal Support
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do,
but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Interpersonal support is like forming a spiritual buddy system or having a wingman. You and I are not meant to navigate life’s adverse conditions alone. Being intentionally plugged into a supportive Christian community is essential for spiritual growth and resilience, as it allows believers to encourage one another, share burdens, and collectively draw strengths from their faith, embodying the call of the verse mentioned above to spur each other as we develop a more resilient faith. We can share the load, celebrate the victories, and remind each other of Christ’s love, making the heaviest burden feel lighter.
Call to Action
It is time to take a stand, do the work, and learn how to forge a resilient faith. No longer can we merely coast along, swayed by life’s challenges without purpose or direction. As men and women who love Jesus, we need a vibrant faith that is decisive, tenacious, forward-looking, based on the truths of Scripture, supported by a body or believer, and based on a deep belief that God has provided me with the power and the will to follow him and make an influence.
Now is the time to build a faith that is not only resilient but transformative. I encourage you to forge your faith and become a source of light, strength, and hope in a world desperately needing it!
“Must Click Links!”
Barna Institute – At Barna, we sometimes talk about building resilient disciples. At the moment, just 20 percent of U.S. Christians meet Barna’s definition of a “resilient disciple,” meaning they are: Christians who (1) attend church at least monthly and engage with their church more than just attending worship services; (2) trust firmly in the authority of the Bible; (3) are committed to Jesus personally and affirm he was crucified and raised from the dead to conquer sin and death; and (4) express desire to transform the broader society as an outcome of their faith. Read the rest of this thought-provoking article.
A fascinating article in the International Journal of Philosophy and Religion, Faith and Resilience. I strongly recommend taking a few moments to check out this link.
We Fall Down, but We Get Up: Mental Health, Faith, Hope, and Resilience
How to Grow as a Man of Faith pt. 1 Blog Podcast
How to Grow as a Man of Faith pt. 2 Blog Podcast