Pain is always pounding on the door of our lives and seeking to knock us down. This should not surprise us. The first step in growing resilient is acknowledging our pain, naming it, and taking wise steps to face it head-on.

The world is filled with all sorts of lies and too often, we buy in! The enemy of our soul is called “the father of lies,” and Jesus was clear that Satan’s native language is deceit. If we are going to grow in resiliency, we need to identify the lies we believe, reject them, and embrace the truth.

Are you ready for a radically countercultural shock? The best way to overcome pain, discomfort, anxiety, and fear is to face it and move toward it—hand in hand with Jesus. When we embrace adversity rather than run from it, we will grow more and more resilient.

Where do we find meaning in our confused and wandering world? We look outward and see the glory and beauty of God’s creation. We look inward at the calling and birthright gifts God placed in us. We look upward and see the face of our loving God.

We will all face adversity, pain, loss, and times of struggle in our lives. The best way to grow resilient and stand strong through these times is to find community with God’s people, his beloved church, the family of God.