Greater is HE

Greater is He that is in you, 

than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Let’s talk about resilience, that trait that moves us to bounce back, no matter what giant or obstacle or ocean stands in our way­—the gift of the Holy Spirit living inside of us, propelling us forward to look upward and outward.Resilience is a quality in objects to hold or recover their shape, or in people - to stay intact. It’s inner strength.  For example, if you bend a good-quality fork and then can bend it right back, it has resilience.  A car that is in an accident and only has a few scratches has resilience: it holds up and keeps its shape under immense pressure.

Emotional resilience refers to one's ability to adapt to stressful situations or crises. More resilient people are able to "roll with the punches" and adapt to adversity without lasting difficulties; less resilient people have a harder time with stress and life changes, both major and minor.How about resilience in the life of a Christian? Where does it start? What does it look like? Spiritual resilience begins with prayer. Prayer inspires us not to look inward but to look upward and outward, and to develop a surrendering posture.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2  Spiritually resilient people remember the promises of God and Who stands with us. Spiritually resilient people stand confident in their identity and security as God’s children and remember that God does what we can’t. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. Jeremiah 1:5  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Spiritual resilience moves us to DO something—to act in faith to accomplish all that our Lord asks us to. Resilience is not passive, it’s active.  What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? James 2:14-16  Spiritually resilient people lean into community—admitting we can’t do it on our own and we don’t live or serve in isolation. A healthy faith community offers help and hope to one another.Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-17 So what about…

The woman who finds herself alone for the first time in decades after the loss of her husband?  He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.The son who endlessly cares for his mother who has Parkinson’s and repeatedly refuses to take her medicine? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. The young mother who is raising babies with very little help from her partner? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.The military wife whose husband got word he’s deploying again? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.The corporate dad who has to tell his family they are moving, yet again, across the country? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. The teenage son who is suffering from chronic depression and the parents who are tired of the ongoing cycle of emotions? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. The high school graduate who feels uncertain moving to a big university campus and away from all that is familiar? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.The person whose doctor just shared the news that cancer has returned? He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

The song “Greater is He” by Blanca reminds me that whenever we are in over our head, we can look up, take a deep breath, and walk the next step because we know Who stands with us.What giants or ocean are you facing today? What is causing you to feel “in over your head” some days? Maybe life is good right now and you’re not feeling overwhelmed. Do you know someone who is? Say a prayer, asking Jesus to send a word of hope.And keep clinging to the promises of God: He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 

About the Author

Stacey refers to herself as a “beautiful mess” who is learning to embrace the messiness of her life and live gracefully and authentically within it. She likes to create and enjoys the places it takes her. Stacey is married to Jeff and together they have two beautiful, very independent, strong-willed girls who are also learning to love and give love authentically. Jeff and Stacey are a family fighting for slow in northern Virginia after living in Germany for thirteen years. Stacey enjoys having friends over to her house, spending time with her family at home and on the road, reading, painting, basking in the sun, and encouraging others to move out in courage to live the abundant life Jesus promises.