The Burning Question:
What is one piece of advice or wisdom you’ve received from a pastor that has stuck with you?
Morning Devotional:
I was taking a walk through a hospital in the Twin Cities the other day when I saw a sign. It had an arrow pointing down a hallway and it read, “Center for Employee Resilience.” I’ve heard a lot of that corporate HR motivational type lingo over the years but I had to admit, this terminology was new to me. When I got home that evening, I had to look it up.
Apparently, resilience training in the workplace is a thing. It is a type of training that teaches healthy behaviors and mindsets to improve employee well-being and productivity. It helps individuals manage the ups and downs of their work environments and navigate adversity.
For a split second I wanted to go to the office and check it out. As the Lord does,
When you learn resilience is defined as the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, we realize we have the best lesson about resilience in the apostle Paul. As he preached and planted churches, Paul faced opposition from every side. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul says he and his travel companions “suffered and had been treated outrageously in Philippi,” and that they “faced strong opposition” in what they were doing.
What was it that gave Paul and his colleagues the courage to keep going in their mission? We find the answer in the middle of verse two: “But with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel.”
The sign I saw in the hospital the other day pointed me down a hallway to find the “center” of resilience. In that split second I realized I didn’t need to take a single step to find what centers me. What gives me resilience – the courage and grace to withstand and press on – is my faith and trust in our almighty God.
– Beth
Bible Quiz:
Question: Which gospel mentions an earthquake in connection with the resurrection of Jesus?
Answer: Matthew (Matthew 28:2)
Storytime: Singing in Zebedee’s Class