‍“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

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I watched a documentary on a professional kayaker who would paddle down rivers from source to mouth. What I found most interesting was when he shared about the changes in the terrain he witnessed.  He described that the rocks higher up on the river were sharp and jagged, while the rocks further downstream were smooth. This is because the force of water causes the rocks to knock against each other, knocking off the sharp edges. This is the impact power of a turbulent journey; resilience is the ability to stay in the turbulent water.

Characteristics such as resilience, adaptability, grit, perseverance or determination are slowly declining, because we live in a world where the goal is smooth sailing and finding ways to avoid all types of turbulent waters.

Resilience is a muscle that needs to be developed intentionally. Muscle development does not happen by removing weights but by steadily increasing weight to grow muscle resilience to the added pressure.

Life is full of muscle-building moments; Romans 5:3encourages us to rejoice in troubles because of the maturity of character that comes from patiently enduring trials. The biblical description of troubles /tribulations is a “pressing together pressure,” therefore, allowing ourselves to persevere through this pressure is the journey of developing character-building resilience.

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Here are four mindsets for intentionally growing your resilience:

1. Continuing Commitment
   
   I believe resilience develops through the posture of a mindset that embraces the turbulence of a journey with acceptance due to the wisdom benefits. This means a realistic willingness to push through the short-term pain, aiming for long-term advantages.
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2. Finding Flexibility
   
   Every surfer knows you can’t surf a wave with straight legs. Firstly, you will probably wipeout on the first speed bump. Secondly, surfers know that surfing is about leveraging the power zones of a wave. When you bend your knees and push down against the power zone, it will generate energy that will accelerate your speed and even get you airborne. This is the mental mindset of intentionally finding your flexibility to adapt to adverse circumstances so that it works for you instead of against you.
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3. Growing Grit
   
   Lift or stairs? Growing grit is about intentionally choose the path less travelled. In his book “The Entitlement Cure”, Dr John Townsend says, “The hard way is the entitlement cure. It’s choosing a path of behaviours and attitudes that undo the negative effects of entitlement.” Taking the stairs develops resilience muscles when the lift is out of order.
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4. Victim to Victor
   
   There is a mindset that can keep people stuck in victim mode. This mindset is that I am “owed” a better hand of cards. A victor mindset, however, will take the cards dealt to them and play the game until something shifts and changes. The only difference between a victim and a victor is not circumstances but choice.

Resilience is the fruit of right choices. I believe the above mentioned mindsets will help pave the path to producing character strength. Romans 5:3-5 speaks about that. A character strength built on the confident hope of salvation. A confident hope of salvation is the foundation to resilience to this journey of life, that will aid us in finishing this race well until we reach the shores of eternity.