Hello Family,

We are so excited to launch our 10 day devotional series called An Unyielding Spirit: Journey into Resilience. Resilience can be defined as the ability to overcome, to stand firm and be unwavering in faith. As the old Timex watch commercial said: It is the ability to “take a licking and keep on ticking”. 

Let’s Journey into Resilience.

Day 1:

Understanding Resilience 

Scripture: 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1: 2 - 4. 

Devotional Message:

In the ebb and flow of life’s trials and triumphs, resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties. It is rooted in a faith that does not waiver in the face of trials. As Christians our resilience is built on the foundation of our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We know that our trials are not in vain but serve to reinforce our faith and build godly character.  

Prayer:

 Heavenly Father, grant me the strength to face trials with my faith in You unshaken. Help me to know that through difficulties my faith is strengthened and my spirit is made resilient.  

Reflection: 

How does your faith relate to resilience?

Day 2:

The Power of Persistence in Prayer 

Scripture: 

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1   

Devotional Message:

Resilience is a product of persistent prayer. Like the widow who persistently sought justice from the judge, our continuous prayer in times of need demonstrates our trust in God’s timing and faithfulness. Resilience in prayer is about staying steadfast in our relationship with God, especially when answers seem delayed.  

Prayer: 

Lord, instill in me a spirit of resilience in my prayer life. May I never give up praying and seeking your face in every season of my life. May I always trust Your perfect timing, purpose and will. In Jesus’s name. Amen.  

Reflection:

How has persistent prayer played a role in your life?

 Day 3 :

Resilience: Growth through Trials?

Scripture:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance: character, and character: hope” Romans 5:3-5.  

Devotional Message: 

Resilience is much more than just surviving: it’s about thriving. The difficulties we face can produce perseverance, character, and ultimately, hope. Each challenge is an opportunity, drawing us closer to Christ, allowing us to know Him better, and making us more like Him.  

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to grow when I am faced with trials. Thank You that I am never in it alone for You are my Present Help in trouble. In Jesus’s name. Amen.  

Reflection: 

How has resilience in difficult situations helped you grow?

 Day 4:

Joseph: A Portrait of Resilience 

Scripture: 

“You intended to harm me; but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20. 

Devotional Message: 

Joseph’s life was a journey through betrayal, false accusations and imprisonment. However, he remained resilient. He trusted in God’s plan. His resilience was not just a means to survive. He also trusted in God’s plan to position him for a greater purpose. And God did!

Prayer:

Lord, in times when I experience injustice, help me to see Your hand at work. Help me to see how You can use adversity for Your greater purpose, just as You did with Joseph. Amen.

Reflection: 

Have you experienced a betrayal or an injustice? How did you handle it? What, if anything, would you do differently?

 Day 5:

The African American Journey

Scripture:

“Now faith is confidence in what what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see “ Hebrews 11:1

Devotional Message: 

The resilience of African Americans, both during and after slavery, is a testament to an unbreakable spirit rooted in faith. Despite unimaginable atrocities, their dogged and enduring faith in the God of the Bible has been a source of strength, hope and liberation for centuries. We honor those ancestors who never wavered in their faith and those who even now, still agitate for total equality and justice. 

Prayer: 

Lord, I am inspired by the resilience of those who, despite facing the darkest times and unimaginable injustice, held on unwaveringly to their faith in You. Help me to possess that same unshakable faith and strength in my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflection: 

Whose demonstration of courage, sacrifice, and resilience do you admire?

 Day 6:

Building Resilience Together

Scripture: 

“Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)  

Devotional Message:

Resilience is not a solitary journey. In a family, church, or community, it’s about leaning on and lifting each other up. Our collective strength and faith will help us to overcome challenges that might overwhelm us if we have to face them alone.  

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, show me how to be a pillar of strength and support among my people: my family, my church, my community, my nation, my world. Especially help me to demonstrate faith and resilience among my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you. Amen. 

Reflection:

How can you demonstrate and help build resilience within any one of your communities?

 Day 7:

Faith to Move Mountains

Scripture: 

“… For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Devotional Message: 

Sometimes resilience looks like standing in faith even when a situation seems impossible. It then becomes about believing in God’s power to move mountains in our lives. It’s about trusting that He can and will make a way where, to our natural eyes and reasoning, there seems to be no way.

Prayer:

God of Miracles, give me the resilience to believe, even in the face of what seems to be the impossible, knowing that with You all things are possible. I pray in Jesus’s name, Amen.  

Reflection:

 What mountain presently in your life requires faith to overcome? Name it and believe that it will be moved.

Day 8:

The Legacy of Generational Faith

Scripture: 

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother, Lois, and in your mother Eunice and now, I am persuaded, dwells in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5

Devotional Message: 

Resilience in faith is not just a personal journey. It is often a generational legacy. The faith and resilience demonstrated by our ancestors and family members often pave the way for our own spiritual journey. As we acknowledge and build upon their legacy of belief, we contribute to a resilient faith that will be sure to inspire generations to come.  

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for the faith-filled legacy of those who came before me. Help me to continue that legacy and to build on that foundation. Most importantly, help me to pass on a strong legacy of faith to those who follow on behind me. In Your name, Amen.  

Reflection:

How can you begin or continue a legacy of faith in future generations?

Day 9:

The Strength to Forgive

Scripture: 

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 

Devotional Message: 

True resilience often requires the strength to forgive. It’s about letting go of the burden that is resentment. It is about embracing the freedom that comes with and from forgiveness. Forgiving others frees us! It also reminds us of the limitless forgiveness we have received from Christ and we are humbled.  

Prayer: 

Father, I release grievances and embrace the peace that comes from letting go and forgiving others as You have forgiven me. Thank You for the strength and resilience that comes from a heart willing to forgive. In Jesus’s name. Amen. 

Reflection: 

How has forgiving someone of an offense brought you strength?

 Day 10:

United in Strength

Scripture: 

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” 1 Corinthians 12:26

Devotional Message: 

Resilience is not a solitary journey. When we face trials and challenges, the support, prayers and encouragement of our church family can strengthen our resilience making it possible for us to carry on. Together we can endure hardships and celebrate victories. In so doing we demonstrate the strength and unity that Christ intends for us, His followers.  

As we conclude this 10-day Journey into Resilience, let’s never forget the lessons we’ve learned about unshakable faith, persistent prayer, and the power of community. May these reflections deepen your resilience so that you are able to face life’s challenges with faith and hope. Remember, resilience is not just about bouncing back, it’s about growing stronger and closer to God.  

Prayer: Father, help us to support each other through whatever trials we face. Likewise, help us to share in each other’s joy, just as you have called us to do. In Jesus’s name. Amen.