Are you warrior or spectator? That may strike as an odd question since you may or may not have served in the military, but effective engagement is a matter of the heart. Consider this quote from the chaplains of the U. S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division:
“When Spiritual Readiness meets adversity, Spiritual Resiliency sees you through.”
Spiritual resiliency is the heart of the warrior. Warriors cannot be restrained from the battlefield. They push through fear and danger, rushing forward into the fray while spectators shrink from battle and every difficulty, resigning themselves to mediocrity—content to watch the sacrifice of others from a safe distance. Warriors are resilient and resilience is the practical and enduring posture of strength.
Jesus of Nazareth employed the fullest meaning of “strength” when he said:
“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36 NLT).
This is no casual strength Jesus offers; no mere guarded optimism nor temporary adrenaline rush. As John Eldridge reminds us: “Hard times require something more than willpower. Jesus warns us, practically commands us to ask for strength.” The word Jesus uses for strength in Luke 21 means “to be strong to another’s detriment; to prevail against; to overcome; to prevail.” It implies a struggle against an adversary we can and will prevail over. The strength God offers and urges us to ask for and display is combative strength, a strength to fight, to overcome. A strength that prevails. The warrior heart embraces adversity and challenge while advancing to attain the higher good.
I have great news for all of us—resilience is something God desires to give.
“My strength is gone,” (Daniel said) “and I can hardly breathe.” Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. (Daniel 10:17-19)
Resilience is something imparted by God into our frail humanity. I cannot think of better news: This strength that prevails—this mighty, combative warrior strength—is available to all who request it. Our Creator offers courage to stand against all odds. What will we choose?
