During Christ’s days on earth he pleaded with God, praying with passion and with tearful agony that God would spare him from death. And because of his perfect devotion his prayer was answered and he was delivered. But even though he was a wonderful Son, he learned to listen and obey through all his sufferings. And after being proven perfect in this way he has now become the source of eternal salvation to all those who listen to him and obey. Hebrews 5:7-9 TPT
What struck me in the above scripture were the words “he pleaded with God, praying…that God would spare him from death…and he was delivered.” I had to ask the question, Lord, I don’t understand, Jesus died anyway so what’s the meaning of “He was delivered?” In light of Isaiah 53:4-5 one can only interpret this as praying to be delivered from premature death that will truncate purpose–death on the Cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane where His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground, Jesus hadn’t gotten to the point of purpose (Isa. 55:4-5). If Jesus had died at this point, purpose would have been truncated. And that’s the only way I could explain this scripture in Hebrews 5.
Jesus knew from the beginning that He was going to be killed (Matt.16:21; John 18:21). He wasn’t going to die from blood coming out of His body while He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. No! Matthew 16:21 made it very clear. So the reference made in Hebrews 5, had to relate specifically to what was happening in that instant that He was praying. And He said, No, this is not where it finishes. This is not where it’s over. This is not where it’s concluded. The place where it’s concluded is at the Cross, if Jesus died at that point, our redemption would have been over.
And I’m trying to write something on the table of our hearts–the pattern of building spiritual resilience that the Captain of our salvation went through in order for purpose to be established and fulfilled. It can’t be different for us if we are called and chosen. The Captain of our salvation was made perfect through the things which He suffered.
Beloved brethren, spiritual resilience is needed for the times we are entering into. If you are going to be resilient in these times, you cannot focus on your feelings or on the effect the economy is having on you. What does resilience mean? In simple terms, spiritual resilience means staying power. It’s the capacity to withstand or to recover from difficulties. It is toughness to withstand challenges, and like any skill, mental, emotional and spiritual resilience can be learned. We need that now as we walk into the times that are ahead and the starting place is in the place of prayer. How can we ready ourselves for the coming challenges?
- Redefine setback as the gateway to something greater.Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
- Remember that successful people don’t just face adversity, they embrace it. Whatever the nature of adversity, if it is drawing you closer to God’s purpose your answer should be, welcome (Rom 8:28). Peter said in 1 Peter 4:14,16–If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified…Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
- Refuse to dwell on what is past or worry about the future; today is where you have the most influence. You can’t change what’s in the past, tomorrow is not even in your control so make the best use of today. I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 NLT.
- Recognize what you can’t control. Focus on what you can and surrender the rest of God.
- Tune out the critics and focus on doing your best (Philippians 1:15-18 (AMPC)
- Pray for guidance when you are in over your head (James 1:5)
- Wake up every morning remembering that prayer and gratitude create a fertile ground for overcoming faith.
- Learn from failure and remember the many times you have succeeded.
- Identify a solution instead of complaining.
- Visualize victory before going into battle.
- Increase your faith-talk when you are afraid (Psalm 56:3-4). A man is ensnared by the words of his mouth. In Psalm 56 David was clearly afraid but this was his response, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:3-4.
- Replace self-doubt with faith-talk.
- When things look hopeless, remember “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).
- Remember that you “can do all things through Christ” when you think you can’t (Phil. 4:13)
- Rest when you are tired but don’t give up. Finish strong in everything that you do.
- When you feel alone, think of all those who have helped you and who love you and support you (Psalm 23:1; John 8:29; John 16:32; John 14:16-18)
- Exercise physically if you can, to give yourself a sense of control and help lift your mood.
- Laugh to reduce stress, strengthen your immune system and improve arterial blood flow
- Be grateful. Research shows that people who sent a letter or email of thanks to somebody who helped them, stayed in a better mood for up to a month
God is looking for strong people at this time, not weaklings. So build resilience and you will be an encourager and strengthener for many to come. Can you turn the issues that are worrying you over to the Lord? What are you afraid of? You can trust Him today. You can lay it in His hands. Selah.
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