We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Fragile: Breaks easily
Resilient: Springs back as it was before
Antifragile: Stronger, Wiser, gets better
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
We are not antifragile without the Holy Spirit. He gives us strength when we are strong. He transforms our difficult times and produces hope in us.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward on another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's might hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility is at the core of our struggle. God OPPOSES the proud, but he lifts up the humble.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
Remember that God is in control. He will protect you. He is not overwhelmed, confused, or threatened by what is happening in your life.
Take shelter under the mighty hand of God.
"God is not bound by time, nor is our story. We desperately want our situation solved. We want resolution. But God unfolds the plot in his own time." Dan Allender
Reflect
Discuss the life of Peter and how he moved to antifragile.
Discuss the statement that "God opposes the proud, but lifts up the humble".
How can you "develop and awareness of what God is still doing in your life", even when circumstances are crushing?
Discuss Darnella's statement in her darkest time, "Yet will I trust you". Has there been a time in your life where you had to choose to trust Him, even though all seemed lost?
Go Deeper
Share about a time in your life that left you better than you were before. What did God show you or teach you during that time?
Discuss the statement, "The posture of our prayer should match the content of our prayer."