Why Find Resilience in Adversity?

Pressed But Not Crushed: Finding Resilience in Adversity. 

I had an encounter with a cockroach some nights back, and I struck it thinking it was dead. When I woke up the next morning, It still struggled for breath. 

This sparked a conversation between me and my sister about the tenacity and strength of cockroaches to survive against all odds.

Cockroaches are notoriously resilient and can thrive in various environments. There's something we can learn from them if we pay closer attention. They move with the survive against all odds mentality and this inbuilt and innate characteristic is their key survival factor. 

As I reflected on every month of the year, I thought about my wins and losses. My losses stood out more to me. Before April, I had applied to over thirty industries in search of a job. I was either rejected or never received a response.

These rejections affected my self-esteem, making me question my abilities. I struggled to accept if I was good enough for anything.

God's word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 came as a reminder to me that:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (ESV)

This passage is a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even amid uncertainty. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can find the strength to persevere and overcome adversity.

The Message version says, "We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do..." But God knows what to do.

As I pondered on this, I realized that I might not know what I want to do with my life, but God knows what to do, and that's why He will always remain the all-knowing.

In a world surrounded by people fixing their identity from the kind of job they do or to their ability to earn a certain sum of figures of money, one with less will tend to shy away. 

But God wants to be the one who gives meaning to our lives. Not based on our crises or rejection but because of the love he has for us. 

As we go through today, be reminded that we are pressed but not crushed. We may face challenges, but with God's strength and our resilience, we can overcome them. We press on, trusting in God to take care of us. 

I KEVWE AM PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED. I... (YOUR NAME) AM PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

The Kindness Paradox: Why kindness matters.

The Power of Kindness: A Reflection on God's Love and Our Actions

Not long ago, during a conversation with some colleagues, one person mentioned that she could only do something for someone if that person had done the same for her before. It got me thinking: has friendship become conditional? It seems that true kindness in relationships is becoming increasingly rare.

In today’s world, many people tie their kindness to expectations, hoping for something in return. Others may seem indifferent, focused only on themselves. This raises an intriguing question: what if God had applied the same logic? What if He had chosen not to send His only Son to die for us, expecting something in return? How different would life have been?

The kindness God showed by sending His Son to die for us is unparalleled. It is a love that cannot replaced. Kindness, at its core, is genuine care, consideration, and love for those around us. It is love in action. I often wonder where people have learned the type of kindness they claim to offer in friendships, relationships, and with family.

There’s a saying that "kindness is free," but true kindness—given without any expectation of reward—is both rare and precious. Kindness manifests through actions of care, patience, attention, and help, all aimed at ensuring others' comfort. Wherever kindness exists, love follows.

The birth of Christ is the greatest form of kindness, a lovestruck moment that changed the course of history. It is the reason we celebrate His birth and the reason we strive to emulate His example. Just as "Acts of Service" is considered one of the love languages, kindness is often displayed through our actions and reactions. It is a choice we make daily, and it’s not just about tolerance—it’s about embodying moral excellence.

For many, kindness doesn’t come easily. Past hurts and negative experiences can make it difficult to show compassion. However, God’s word reminds us in Luke 6:35 (NKJV), "But love your enemies..." As children of God, we must consciously choose to be kind and to radiate God's love in all we do. Our true identity can only be found in the Lord and in His Word.

I am reminded of a moment from my teenage years. One evening, I was walking home from a wedding when a young boy, around 5 or 6 years old, approached me. Although I couldn’t understand him, I assumed he was asking for money. As I tried to walk past him, he began following me. It wasn’t until I stopped that I realized he was ringing a bell. He handed me the bell that had fallen off my shoe, showing kindness when I least expected it.

I was struck by the boy’s act of kindness. Despite my initial indifference, he responded with love, not because of what he could gain, but because of the genuine care in his heart.

Another instance that comes to mind is a neighbor who, upon my arrival at a new home, consistently checked in on me. She never asked for anything in return; she simply showed kindness.

There are, of course, situations where people’s kindness has been taken for granted, and that can be disheartening. But this should never be a reason to stop being kind. True kindness is about giving to others, even when we know they cannot repay us. It’s about reflecting the love of Jesus, especially when we’ve been hurt.

When we choose kindness, we not only honor God but also create an environment that draws others to Him. Our actions build trust, strengthen relationships, and serve as a testimony to His love.

As Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." Let us make a conscious effort to choose kindness, to show love and compassion to those around us, and to reflect God’s love in all that we do.

"Your Identity in Christ: A Biblical Perspective"

 

Whenever the question who are you comes up, what comes to your mind? I recently had a conversation that got me pondering this very question. When I asked, "What's your talent?" the person laughed and replied, "Talent? I'm not sure. Who's that one helping?" It made me realize that there's a deeper question at play: Who are you, really? What gives you a sense of identity and confidence?

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that our identity is tied to our jobs, social media profiles, or material possessions. But the truth is, our insecure nature as humans craves a sense of belonging, and social media can create a false sense of identity. As believers, we need to remember that our true identity is found in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" When we become born-again believers, our identity changes. We become carriers of God's light, and in Him, we discover our true selves. It's not about losing but about stepping into an identity discovery with the Lord.

Our true identity is not sin; it's about who God is. As 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's possession." This is who we are, and it's essential to remember that our identity shouldn't be based on things that can be taken away or that hold no lasting value.

Sadly, many believers struggle to recognize their place in Christ and, consequently, their true identity. But knowing who we are and where we belong is crucial. It gives us a sense of belonging, completeness, and continuity. As Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are God's handiwork, created for good works." Our identity should be rooted in Christ alone, for it's in Him that our true selves emerge.

Friend, take some time out to reflect on your identity. Who are you, really? What gives you confidence and a sense of purpose? Remember, your true identity is found in Christ, and that's something no one can ever take away.

"God's not done with you yet: Trusting his plan for your life"

Hey there!

Can you believe it's already December, the last month of the year? I'm sure many of us have been reflecting on our New Year's resolutions and prayer points, seeing which ones have been answered and which ones are still pending.

But here's the thing: God is not limited by time. Even with just a few weeks left in the year, He can still do the impossible. We may have faced setbacks and delays over the past 11 months, but God wants us to know that He's heard every single one of our prayers and pleas.

Don't give up! Press on in faith and patience, and trust that God will make it happen in His perfect timing. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (NIV)

I want to let you know that God is not done with you yet! He knows that many of your prayer points are still pending, but He's promising that you'll end the year well, with everything in place.

Remember, God's plans for us are far beyond what we can imagine. As the Bible says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT)

God is not bound by time; He can change our circumstances in an instant. That's why I'm convinced that God is not done with you yet!

Hang in there, and let's trust God to do the impossible in our lives!