The Meaning of Resilience

We can have joy during the storms of life and develop resilience. But, what is the meaning of resilience? We can find the meaning of this word by looking at the life of the Apostle Paul.

When we are first introduced to Saul, later to become Paul, he was persecuting people of “the Way” (Acts 9:1-2, NIV). After his conversion, Paul would come to epitomize the “Way Marked by Joy.” Yes, joy marked this movement, but it didn’t mean things were easy.  We learn about Paul’s story in the book of Acts, written by Luke and dedicated to Theophilus.

Who Was Theophilus?

Theories abound as to the identity of the “Most Excellent Theophilus,” the person to whom both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are addressed.  I like the theory that claims he is Titus Flavius Sabinus, a converted Roman official and older brother of future Roman Emperor Vespasian. In gratitude for his kindness during Paul’s imprisonment, Luke made a dedication, proclaiming Sabinus to be a “friend of God.” Theophilus translates “Friend of God” in Greek. This makes sense as Luke was present with Paul during these events. The theory goes that Luke assigned him the name, Theophilus, as an honor and to protect Sabinus from the persecution of Christians under the tyrannical rule of the Emperor Nero.  

Paul needed someone to have his back, given the consequences of his courageous witness to Jesus’ resurrection and the Gospel. Paul had made powerful enemies in Jerusalem.  He appealed his case as a Roman citizen, and was transferred to Caesarea, the provincial capital, where he was held for two years. Defiant, trusting that his life was lived as a gift to Christ, Paul had a resilience that left him free to serve with abandon.  

Sailing Across the Mediterranean

From Caesarea, Paul was sent across the Mediterranean to Rome. However, even during a violent storm at sea, the joy of the Lord was Paul’s strength. Paul didn’t shrink from the storm, but instead sought to advise the captain through his centurion guard (Acts 28:1-10).  The captain did not follow his advice and the ship crashed on the small island of Malta. The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners, including Paul, so they would not escape, but the centurion, who valued Paul’s warning about the storm, intervened.

The people of Malta treated the castaways hospitably, making a large fire, because it was raining and cold. However, tough times for Paul continued.  While he was gathering wood, to throw on the fire, the heat panicked a viper hidden in the sticks. It struck Paul, latching onto his hand. Ah, sweet justice – saved from the sea, karma gets him in the end the islanders thought. Perhaps, Paul was a murderer, and the goddess Themis (Justice) or the Fates (her children) had not allowed him to live. Alas, Paul was no believer in fate. He shook the snake off and returned to his service of Christ. Now, the islanders thought Paul was a God.

Resiliency In Action

Paul’s resilience allowed him to summon spiritual strength that helped him face the storms of life, allowing him to continue to serve. This is the meaning of resilience. Without guile, Paul preached to the stunned Maltese and responded to their cries for help, praying for them and healing their sick.

Countering cynicism, following the way of joy invites us to walk a path blazed in exemplary fashion by the early church whose stories embody a new life lived believing and demonstrating the power of Jesus’ resurrection. This way does not negate but challenges sorrow and injustice. It invites us to greater resilience in the midst of trouble, neither pretending trouble does not exist, nor giving up hope that we must give over to despair.

According to Salvador Maddi, author of Resilience at Work, resilience may be strengthened where our commitments, sense of control, and challenges overlap. Paul’s sense of commitment came from his purpose to give witness to the Gospel. This gave him a sense of control that he could live confident of his trust in God. He then was free to face challenges with courage.

Personal Mission Statement

We can do the same in our daily lives.  To do so, start by making a list of what you value most, turning this list into a personal mission statement. Hopefully, your mission statement includes a commitment to serving Jesus. Next, when you feel challenged about your life being out of control, try this technique.  Make a list of the things that you are tolerating.  These are the things you feel you “have” to live with.  Stretch yourself.  Don’t list just a few things.  Push yourself to list 25 or more things you are tolerating.  Then, come up with a plan to address two of them.  Even acting on only two will put you on a path toward getting things back in order.  You’ll be surprised that your entire attitude will change.

Paul epitomizes the “Way Marked by Joy,” a way also filled with challenges. Like him, we can develop resilience during the storms of life. If you are not feeling challenged about anything, you might need to open up and make yourself vulnerable. It is likely time to take a risk. Listen to the voice of God and let God trouble your spirit. I am confident that God has big plans for you.

by Dr. Dave Milam & Chuck Locklear:

Copyright © 2019 Chuck Locklear

Also, see How to Be Happy.