The Resilient Life

1/19/25

Hodgdon Family Worship

 A Resilient Life in Christ

Two weeks ago, I asked, “Is your life like sightseeing or a pilgrimage?” Both involve travel, but they are very different. Sightseeing is about glancing at things and following your own plans. Pilgrimage, however, is walking along the path God gives us. It’s not about where we want to go, but where God leads us. Tourists expect and demand, but pilgrims give thanks. Pilgrims walk with gratitude and trust in God, even during hardships, keeping their eyes on the light ahead.

Our lives are like fragile paper. We’re easily hurt, physically and emotionally. Satan whispers lies: “You’re not good enough,” “You’re worthless,” or “You’re a failure.” These words tear and crumble our hearts. But when we stick to God’s Word, like paper reinforced by glue, no harm can destroy us. God’s Word makes us strong, even when we feel weak or broken.

Last week, our Sunday school children began their Bible-reading journey. Each child received a “Rock Folder” as a reminder of the wise man who built his house on the rock of God’s Word. Even 4-year-old Mark proudly reported that he read a chapter! Thank Hazel for reading the Book to Mark. Hannah and Esther use an audio Bible to help them stay on track. This small but meaningful step shows how even children can begin to walk a resilient life by trusting in God’s Word.

 

Resilience in Nature and Faith

Have you ever made an ice suncatcher? Our kids did this last Together Tuesday. They used broken pieces—last year’s Valentine's flowers from Stacy, fallen leaves, and dried orange slices from Angie. On their own, these items seemed useless. But together, in water and freezing winds, they created something beautiful. Like those pieces, our lives may feel broken, but God can transform them into something amazing when we trust Him.

Let’s look at some examples of resilience in nature:

1. A salmon swimming upstream to lay eggs. It’s hard, but the salmon persists.
2. A pine tree growing on a rocky mountaintop, strong against harsh winds. This is Korea’s national tree, and Maine’s state tree admired for its strength and resilience.
3. A sea turtle travels thousands of miles to lay eggs on the same beach where it was born.

These remind us of resilience—the strength to recover and keep going despite challenges. This is a powerful reminder that when our lives are rooted deeply in God’s Word and His Spirit, we can stand firm and even move against the tide.

 

The Resilience of Joseph

Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a great example of resilience. As a young man, he was naïve and boastful. He shared his dreams with his brothers, saying they would one day bow to him. This made them angry and jealous. Joseph’s father also favored him, giving him a special coat of many colors. These factors led to hatred among his brothers, who sold him into slavery.

In Egypt, Joseph worked hard as a servant in Potiphar’s house. But even there, he faced injustice. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, and he was thrown into prison. Despite these setbacks, Joseph didn’t give up. He worked diligently in prison, eventually earning the trust of the jailer. God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, which led to his release and promotion to Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Joseph’s resilience turned his trials into triumphs.

"But then those ‘fathers’ burning up with jealousy sent Joseph off to Egypt as a slave. God was right there with him, though—he not only rescued him from all his troubles but brought him to the attention of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He then put Joseph in charge of the whole country, including his own personal affairs."

Years later, when Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food during a famine, they didn’t recognize him. Joseph had the power to take revenge, but instead, he forgave them. He told them, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph saw God’s greater plan and trusted Him, even when life seemed unfair.

Joseph's story offers something remarkable to reflect on. When Joseph was sold into slavery and later imprisoned, it might have seemed like God was absent. Similarly, when we face hardships, we often ask, "Why is this happening to me? Why would God allow this? Where is God?" Despite the silence, Joseph clung tightly to the invisible, seemingly distant God.

In Genesis 39, the narrative suddenly emphasizes God’s presence in Joseph's life. It says, "The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man." Even as a servant in Potiphar’s house, Potiphar noticed the Lord’s presence with Joseph and how God blessed his household because of Joseph. Potiphar entrusted Joseph with everything under his care, and the Lord continued to bring blessings through Joseph.

Later, when Joseph was unjustly imprisoned because of Potiphar's wife, Genesis 39:21 says, "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love; he gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer." Even in prison, Joseph’s resilience and faith led him to become a leader among the prisoners. Verse 23 notes that the Lord’s presence allowed Joseph to prosper, even in dire circumstances.

God is with us even in the coldest, harshest winds of life. With His presence, any place can become like heaven. In those moments, we can live a resilient life, full of gratitude and trust in God.

 

 The Resilience of Martin Luther King Jr.

Tomorrow, we will remember Martin Luther King Jr., a man who also demonstrated resilience. During the Civil Rights Movement, he faced hostility, imprisonment, and threats. Yet, he never gave up. Through nonviolence and faith, he shared God’s vision of equality and hope. His famous words, “I have a dream,” continue to inspire generations.

Dr. King’s resilience was rooted in his faith. He believed that God was with him, even in the darkest times. Like Joseph, he faced injustice with courage and grace, trusting that God’s will would prevail.

 

The Resilience of Jesus

Even Jesus faced moments of deep pain and isolation. On the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). At that moment, He bore the weight of the world’s sin and felt the separation from God. Yet, He trusted the Father’s plan. Three days later, He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Jesus’ resilience gives us the ultimate example of trusting God through trials.

 

Living Resilient Lives

Gordon MacDonald, in The Resilient Life, compares life to a marathon. Resilience isn’t something we’re born with; it’s built through intentional choices and discipline. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual roots, mentors, and friends to help us persevere. MacDonald’s mother came from a family of quitters, but he chose a different path. Through prayer, Scripture, and relationships, he developed the resilience needed to finish life’s race well.

We can see three qualities in Joseph, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus:

1. Vision – They followed God’s calling and kept their eyes on His plan.
2. Spiritual roots – They relied on God’s Word and prayer to sustain them.
3. Peace through reconciliation – They brought healing to broken relationships, showing God’s love to others.

                                             

A Call to Resilience

Resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about trusting God to carry us through. Just as some icebergs are guided by deep currents to be against the flow of the surface, we must be rooted in God’s Word and Spirit. When we face challenges, we can remember the examples of Joseph, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus. They overcame trials because they trusted God’s greater plan.

Finally, let’s hear a testimony from Clint who finished a half marathon recently at the age of over 80. "Running is helpful to keep me active at my age. Spiritually I have always enjoyed God's creations in nature while running, gardening, or teaching children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about His wonders in the outdoors."  

Emily shared how running helps her feel God’s presence: “For me, running brings peace. It’s a time to be alone and think. I often think about my faith. It’s a time that makes me feel grateful. I enjoy the beauty of everything around me. It makes me feel accomplished and gives me a goal. It makes me calmer in my everyday life. I often listen to podcasts about runners who overcame amazing challenges. While running, I feel God with me and thank Him for the gift of movement and health. I never take running for granted because it is a gift.”

Like Clint and Emily’s running, resilience requires focus, gratitude, and trust in God. Let’s be like salmon swimming upstream, pine trees standing firm, and icebergs guided by deep currents. We can live resilient lives when we anchor ourselves in God’s Word.

Don’t be a quitter. Let’s run this race together, trusting God every step of the way!

Amen.