Rewiring Begins with Resistance
James 1:2–4 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
We were made to grow, but growth doesn’t come from ease, it comes through resistance. In the gym, your muscles grow when they’re under stress. In the mind and soul, it works the same way. James isn’t romanticizing suffering, he’s revealing that the friction of pain can produce the formation of perseverance. If you avoid the trial, you miss the training.
Science is catching up to this spiritual truth. Research shows that effort-based activities like pushing through a workout, delaying gratification, or leaning into difficult conversations release dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals create a deeper and longer-lasting sense of reward than passive pleasures. Many Psychologist, warn that avoiding pain and overindulging in ease lowers our tolerance and makes us emotionally fragile. We’re not weak because we’re tired, we’re tired because we’re not doing anything that builds real strength.
Imagine a world-class athlete skipping every workout because it’s uncomfortable. That’s what many of us do spiritually. We avoid difficulty, hoping joy will come anyway. But James makes it clear, perseverance must finish its work, and that only happens when we stop running from the hard stuff and start leaning into it with purpose.
Daily Action:
Do one thing today that stretches you. Choose something uncomfortable, but meaningful, and press through it. Don’t run from the resistance. Let it reshape you.
Prayer:
God, I confess that I often run from discomfort and chase what’s easy. But I want to be mature, complete, and strong in You. Help me embrace resistance, knowing that it’s shaping my character and deepening my faith. Build in me a joy that’s not circumstantial but rooted in Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
We were made to grow, but growth doesn’t come from ease, it comes through resistance. In the gym, your muscles grow when they’re under stress. In the mind and soul, it works the same way. James isn’t romanticizing suffering, he’s revealing that the friction of pain can produce the formation of perseverance. If you avoid the trial, you miss the training.
Science is catching up to this spiritual truth. Research shows that effort-based activities like pushing through a workout, delaying gratification, or leaning into difficult conversations release dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals create a deeper and longer-lasting sense of reward than passive pleasures. Many Psychologist, warn that avoiding pain and overindulging in ease lowers our tolerance and makes us emotionally fragile. We’re not weak because we’re tired, we’re tired because we’re not doing anything that builds real strength.
Imagine a world-class athlete skipping every workout because it’s uncomfortable. That’s what many of us do spiritually. We avoid difficulty, hoping joy will come anyway. But James makes it clear, perseverance must finish its work, and that only happens when we stop running from the hard stuff and start leaning into it with purpose.
Daily Action:
Do one thing today that stretches you. Choose something uncomfortable, but meaningful, and press through it. Don’t run from the resistance. Let it reshape you.
Prayer:
God, I confess that I often run from discomfort and chase what’s easy. But I want to be mature, complete, and strong in You. Help me embrace resistance, knowing that it’s shaping my character and deepening my faith. Build in me a joy that’s not circumstantial but rooted in Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
No Comments