How to Be More Resilient: 9 Keys to Persevering Faith

Schools don't teach you how to be more resilient, but it’s one of the most essential skills you’ll ever learn. 

If you’ve been alive for more than five minutes, you know life comes at you hard and fast. From setbacks at work, the loss of loved ones, or unexpected struggles, challenges are inevitable. Jesus Himself said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

Here’s the thing: life isn’t handing out participation trophies for overcoming hardship. Resilience demands grit, perseverance, and the ability to adapt when everything falls apart.

Imagine a father laid off just months before his wife gives birth to their first child. Picture a soldier returning home, carrying unseen scars of war while trying to find his place in civilian life. Or consider the small business owner who pours their life savings into a dream, only to see it crumble during an economic downturn.

These stories aren’t about victory laps but about staying in the fight. They’re about men and women learning to face hardship, not as victims but as overcomers.

I know this battle personally. 

I’ve faced it through the sudden loss of my brother at 19 and my mother at 22. I wrestled with doubt and despair during my eight years in seminary. And I’ve stood at the edge of unemployment more than once, staring down uncertainty and wondering where to turn.

But this isn’t about me. 

It’s about us—how every one of us can face life’s challenges and come out stronger. 

Resilience isn’t about self-reliance or blind optimism. It’s about trusting God, embracing your limitations, and learning to rise, not as a lone wolf but as someone with their faith firmly anchored in Christ.

In this post, we're going to dig into resilience. In particular, we'll explore:

• What resilience is—and isn’t
• Practical steps to build resilience
• How faith in God is the foundation for lasting strength

Let’s begin. 

What Is Resilience?

At its core, resilience is adapting to change, recovering from hardship, and moving forward. It isn’t a rare superpower reserved for the elite. It’s a life skill forged in the fire of adversity that anyone can cultivate. 

Here’s the thing: resilience doesn’t mean you’re immune to pain. It’s not about putting on a brave face and pretending everything’s fine. Instead, resilience is about finding meaning in life’s toughest moments and bouncing back, not because you’re strong on your own but because God’s strength carries you through.

But resilience is often misunderstood.

The world offers plenty of advice on how to bounce back from hardship, yet much of it misses the mark. To truly understand resilience, we must first clarify what it isn’t.

8 Lies About Resilience (and Why It Matters)

Resilience is often misunderstood. 

The world offers plenty of advice on how to bounce back from hardship, but much of it misses the mark. Ideas like “just believe in yourself” or “stay positive” sound appealing but fall short when life’s storms hit. 

True resilience goes deeper than self-reliance, blind optimism, or seeking approval from others.

Let me show you what I mean.

#1. Resilience isn’t about believing in yourself

The “just believe in yourself” mantra may sound inspiring, but it often leads to overconfidence. Confidence can be good, but trusting your strength alone sets you up for failure. Scripture warns, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5). True resilience comes from trusting God, not yourself.

#2. Resilience isn’t about blind optimism

Pretending everything is okay doesn’t make your struggles go away. Challenges need to be faced honestly. True resilience leans into the discomfort while trusting that God will guide you through it.

#3. Resilience isn’t self-sufficiency 

Life’s toughest battles cannot be won alone. Paul writes, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). 

Why? 

Because God’s power works in our weakness.

Trying to carry it all yourself only leads to burnout. Real strength comes from God’s grace and others in your life.

#4. Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship

Some believe resilience means shielding yourself from pain or discomfort.

This belief couldn't be further from the truth.

Avoidance doesn’t build strength—it creates fear and keeps you stuck.

Life’s challenges aren’t meant to be dodged. James 1:2-4 tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials because they produce endurance and maturity. Avoiding hardship robs us of the opportunity to grow.

#5. Resilience isn’t about suppressing emotions

Bottling up feelings may seem like strength, but it only delays healing. 

True resilience involves processing emotions in healthy ways.

Jesus Himself wept openly at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35) and cried out to God in anguish before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:39).

Acknowledging pain isn’t weakness—it’s part of trusting God with your struggles.

#6. Resilience isn’t about being stoic

Stoicism, the ancient philosophy, teaches calm endurance and controlling what you can. 

While these principles have value, they fall short of true resilience. Why? Because Stoicism relies entirely on human effort, offering no hope or purpose beyond the moment. 

God fuels true resilience—not your willpower. It’s about enduring with hope, knowing God works all things for good (Romans 8:28). More on this below.

#7. Resilience isn’t about quick fixes

Resilience is not about finding shortcuts or easy solutions.

Avoid looking for immediate relief through distractions, substances, or unhealthy habits. These may provide temporary comfort but will weaken you in the long run. Building resilience takes time, effort, and reliance on God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

#8. Resilience isn’t about perfection

Some people equate resilience with never stumbling, but that’s not realistic. 

Resilience isn’t about being flawless—it’s about pressing on.

Paul admitted in Philippians 3:13-14 that he hadn’t yet achieved perfection but continued striving toward the goal. Resilience is about perseverance, not perfection.

True resilience isn’t about striving on your own. It’s about trusting God’s promises and relying on His strength. Other perspectives may help in small ways but can’t sustain you. Only God can provide the hope, purpose, and power to endure life’s storms.

9 keys on how to be more resilient

True resilience isn’t about pushing through alone or pretending life isn’t hard. It’s about finding strength in God and learning to face challenges with faith and purpose.

While practical advice and strategies can help, they are only effective when anchored in the unshakable hope we have in Christ.

Here’s how to build resilience that lasts.

1. Trust in God

Resilience starts with knowing where your foundation lies. When the storms of life hit, you need more than self-reliance to stand firm. Faith in God is that unshakable anchor.

In writing for Desiring God, Jon Bloom reminds us of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, which point out that resilience isn’t about focusing on what’s seen—the temporary struggles and pain—but on what’s eternal. We are like jars of clay, fragile and easily broken, yet filled with the treasure of God’s Spirit (Romans 15:13). Unshakeable resilience flows from this source—God’s promises, not our abilities.

Pray, read Scripture, and participate in the life of a local church. These aren’t just spiritual practices; they’re lifelines.

Remember that you're not holding on alone when you feel like you’re at the end of your rope. God’s hands are beneath you, holding you up. Lean into Him and His sovereignty.

2. Grieve When Necessary

Grieving isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a vital step in building resilience.

Life will hit you with setbacks, some of your own making and others completely out of your control. Losses, failures, and disappointments can feel overwhelming, but acknowledging the pain is the first step toward moving forward.

When I faced unemployment, it wasn’t just about losing a paycheck. It was the weight of uncertainty, the feeling of being unable to provide for my family. Grieving that loss allowed me to accept the reality of my situation and begin the slow climb out of it.

Grieving means letting yourself feel the depth of what’s happened, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a failed opportunity, or a significant life change. It’s not wallowing—it’s processing.

Without this step, you risk bottling up emotions that will eventually weigh you down. Accept the change, feel the pain, and take the next step forward.

3. Embrace Your Limitations

Here’s the truth: life is hard, and not every painful experience will make you stronger. Sometimes, things are just brutal. Resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine or acting like you’re invincible—it’s about acknowledging your limitations and leaning on God’s strength.

Humility before God is where growth begins (James 4:6). When you admit that you can’t do it alone, you open the door to His power working through you.

Life will throw curveballs—setbacks, failures, and challenges. Some you’ll navigate well; others will knock you flat. That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up if a tough season doesn’t leave you feeling stronger. What matters is how you respond. Embracing your limitations means facing the reality of the situation and trusting God to guide you through it.

Dodging difficulty might seem easier, but it’s a missed opportunity to grow. Every challenge you face is a chance to deepen your faith and build resilience.

4. Press On, Not Perfect

Resilience isn’t about flawless strength—it’s about perseverance. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13-14 remind us to keep pressing forward, even when the path is steep and rocky.

The only way out of hardship is through it. That means facing your struggles head-on and leaning into the discomfort rather than running from it. Masking the pain or pretending it doesn’t exist only prolongs the healing process.

Instead, lean toward the truth.

Acknowledge both the positives and negatives of your situation. In Emily Anhalt's LinkedIn Learning Course, "Building Resilience," I found her advice on using “and” statements to hold both realities together insightful: “This is hard, and I can move forward.”

Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding effort; it means stewarding your God-given gifts and circumstances well. It also means preparation. Consistent effort, prayer, and obedience lay a foundation for enduring challenges. The more you practice pressing on, the stronger you become—not in your power, but in God’s.

5. Make Things Small When They Feel Big

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to freeze. Big challenges can paralyze you with fear, but resilience starts with breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps.

Ask yourself one simple question: “What’s the smallest step I can take now?” This mindset shift can transform how you approach even the most challenging situations. Instead of focusing on the enormity of the problem, stay in your "three feet zone" (thank you, Navy Seals for this lesson). 

Taking small steps will create momentum—and momentum is a powerful force.

This principle is reflected in Matthew 6:34, where Jesus says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Focus on what’s in front of you today, not the weight of everything ahead.

Be present. Control what you can. Trust God with the rest. 

Making things small reduces anxiety and opens the door to progress. With each small step, you build resilience and deepen your faith in God’s provision and timing.

6. Lean Into Community

Resilience is not a solo sport. God created us for relationships (Genesis 2:18), and the church is one of the greatest resources for encouragement, correction, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Admittedly, I’ve struggled with this in the past. It’s easy to think you can handle it all on your own, but resilience grows best in the soil of a community. When you surround yourself with people who will pray for you, challenge you, and remind you of God’s promises, you’ll find renewed strength to face life’s battles.

If you’re struggling, reach out to your pastor, small group, or trusted friends. Let them walk alongside you. Resilience doesn’t mean carrying the burden alone but sharing the load.

7. Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Skills

Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships—it’s about adapting to them. 

God has given us the ability to think, reason, and solve problems, and using these gifts is not unspiritual. It’s an act of stewardship. Scripture is filled with examples of people who used wisdom and strategy in partnership with their faith, from Joseph managing Egypt’s resources during a famine to Nehemiah organizing the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.

When you face challenges, lean into the logical and creative mind God has given you. Break problems into manageable parts, evaluate your options, and take intentional steps toward solutions.

Practicing problem-solving builds confidence and prepares you to navigate life's uncertainties. It also helps you restore hope, empowering you to act instead of feeling stuck.

Remember, developing resilience is not just about enduring difficulty—it’s about engaging your God-given abilities to overcome it with faith and purpose. By sharpening these skills, you honor God, who equips you with reason and faith to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

For more on this topic, check out Master Biblical Decision-Making Skills Without The Stress.

8. Manage Stress Practically

Stress is a reality of life, and while the Bible commands and principles guide us, they don’t always spell out every practical step to managing stress. That doesn’t mean these steps are unspiritual. God has given us wisdom, common sense, and the ability to learn from experience. Using these gifts to care for your body and mind is not just practical—it’s faithful stewardship.

Here are some ways to manage stress and build resilience:

• Exercise regularly
• Prioritize sleep
• Eat a balanced diet
• Practice mindful breaks
• Journaling
• Connect with nature
• Practice gratitude

None of these tips are spelled out as commands in Scripture, but they align with biblical principles of caring for your body, mind, and soul. Practical steps like these help you maintain balance, reduce overwhelm, and face life’s demands with greater resilience.

Taking care of yourself is not about self-indulgence.

It’s about honoring God by stewarding the body, mind, and resources He’s given you. By managing stress well, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and live out your calling with strength and perseverance.

9. Seek Professional Help

It’s not weak to ask for help.

It’s wise.

And Scripture shows that God often works through others to support and guide us.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. ” God provides people with wisdom and skills to help us through difficult times. Seeking their help is part of His plan.

In Exodus 18, Moses needed help. His father-in-law, Jethro, saw Moses's strain and advised him to delegate responsibilities. Moses listened. He didn’t see it as a failure. He saw it as wisdom.

The same applies to us. Reaching out to a professional counselor or mentor is not giving up. It’s trusting God’s provision.

Let me say this loud and clear: Asking for help is not unspiritual or a sign of weakness. It’s biblical. God often works through counselors, pastors, and therapists to help us heal and grow.

If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seeking help is an act of faith.

Putting It All Together

Resilience isn’t about avoiding adversity but facing it head-on and growing through it. It’s about leaning on God, embracing your limitations, and taking small, faithful steps forward.

When life knocks you down, remember this: God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whether you’re grieving a loss, facing a challenge, or navigating uncertainty, trust that He is with you every step of the way.

Resilience isn’t about being the hero.

It’s about putting your faith in the One who is.

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