Dwight Fletcher | Have you drawn strength from God?

We’re in the last week of January, and the last week of our discussion on resilience. I pray that this has been a series that has given you time to reflect and prepare for all that 2026 has in store. But we can’t close out this conversation without making it clear that resilience without God is a recipe for disaster. Yes, we can expect hardship and train ourselves to be more resilient, but we were never made to endure in our own strength. In fact, our problems are designed to draw us closer to God.

Some situations will be greater than you can handle on your own and you will need God working in you to get you through. The Apostle Paul experienced some of those circumstances.

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (NIV) he wrote, “ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us…”.

When the situation is too great to handle there is only one source to turn to – God. When a situation seems out of control or does not appear to be headed in the right direction, we have a tendency to write “The End” over the story. We think we know the final result, so, instead of exercising resilience, we give up or take matters into our own hands. However, Proverbs 3:5–6 is a good passage to cling to whenever we can see only disaster ahead: “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Choosing to trust in the Lord, rather than rely on what we understand, is the best way to stay resilient. Like many of us, this means you need to spend time growing your ‘God-fidence’. Be intentional about increasing your confidence in the faithfulness of God. No situation is bigger than God and if He promises something to you, you can be sure He will do it. So, spend a few minutes each day or each week meditating on verses that encourage you forward in faith. Verses like Philippians 4:13 which we discussed last week, or Proverbs 24:16 or James 1:12. A personal favourite is Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Then, when you’re faced with an obstacle that seems insurmountable, you repeat that verse aloud until peace floods your heart. Instead of telling God how big and high your mountain looks, which brings you fear and doubt, tell your mountain and yourself how big and mighty your God is. However, it’s important to note that many of the Lord’s promises are for His children – those who have surrendered their lives to Him. Many Jamaicans say they believe in God, but that’s not the same as repenting of your sin, asking Him to make you new, in Christ, and committing to live a life of love and obedience to God. Then, you will have eternal life that begins today!

As a Christian, there is nothing you will face this year that will catch God by surprise. But He does invite us to grow in resilience and overcome by adjusting our perspective and remembering that He is in control. If you do that, surround yourself with the right people and draw your strength from Him, you will be unstoppable this year.