Teaching Resilience

October 2, 2020

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

As much as we want to protect the people we love, we know we can’t totally accomplish that. Everyone will face their own disappointments and hurts. Our children must be able to work through disappointment, pain, rejection—all kinds of failures—and bounce back. Starting very young, they will lose games, have broken friendships, fail tests. We cannot fix those things for them. We know that their ability to live life successfully depends on building resilience. Our own lives depend on it.

Resilience isn’t something you are born with. Resilience is like a muscle you can exercise, develop, and grow. How can you do that?

  1. Find a role model and be a role model. Of course, Jesus is the greatest role model of all. He persevered and never gave up during betrayal, persecution, and suffering. His disciples followed his example. In our own lives, we all know someone who models resilience well. Study them. See how they handle stress and disappointment, and incorporate it into your own life. Then, be open with people who look to you as a role model, sharing with them about how God is helping you.
  2. Optimism is key in resilient people. Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. Focus on the coming harvest.
  3. Refuse to run for a rescuer (or to quickly rescue your child). Overcoming and learning from our mistakes grows us.
  4. Share your thoughts with someone who cares (and listen to the child you are helping). Just talking aloud to a caring and listening person who doesn’t tell you what to do will help you listen to your spirit and figure out the right path.
  5. Rely on God. When you put God first and seek Him, you understand where to place your hope. When everything in your world seems to go wrong, when you feel shaky and uncertain, you can firmly place your trust in Jesus. He is our constant in a world of uncertainty. He is our Rock. He is our Foundation. Every time you lean into the Word of God as your source of strength, God will continue to build you up. You will get through this hard time and be even stronger next time.  

After all, resilience isn’t about never falling down. It’s about getting back up again…and again…and again. You will experience and teach it.

  • Pray: Jesus, I will not give up. I know that You are with me and that there is a harvest ahead for me. Help me show others how to be resilient and strong through You. Amen.