Just like we can learn a new skill, we can also learn mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. Here’s some advice on how to do it:

1) Think of setbacks as gateways to something greater. God can use them to teach you something. 2) Tune out the critics, listen to God, and focus on doing your best. 3) Try to start your day with prayer, praise, and gratitude – they create a fruitful environment for faith. 4) When you’re fearful or worried, try to switch your focus to God and what His Word says. 5) Learn from failure, and remember all the times you’ve succeeded. Failure doesn’t define you. 6) Today is where you have the most control, so try not to let your mind dwell on the past or worry about the future. God’s with you every minute.

7) Look for a solution to a problem instead of complaining about it. 8) Replace self-doubt with faith-talk. 9) When things look hopeless, remember ‘with God all things are possible’ (Mark 10:27 KJV). 10) Pray for guidance when you’re in at the deep end and can’t see a way out (see James 1:5). 11) Rest when you’re tired, but don’t give up. Finish strong in everything you do. 12) Remember you ‘can do all things through Christ’ when you think you can’t (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

13) Recognise what you can’t control, focus on what you can, and give the rest to God. 14) Laugh often. Don’t let anyone tell you that Christians have to be serious all the time to please God. There are even jokes and humorous stories in the Bible! 15) Above all, keep God as the focus and centre of your life.

What Now?

Get together with some trusted friends and have a chat about each point in today’s reading. Can you share any personal experiences that relate to any of the points? Do you have any advice or thoughts about any of the points that you can share with each other?