Resilient

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Like the oyster pearl

produced by irritation

yet emerging as a thing of great beauty

so there is opportunity

to use all the discomfort

of being put down

of being falsely accused

of having integrity questioned

of being disrespected

or overlooked

to build up resilience

and the ability

to know the nearness of God

even in those

who would do us harm

and, in discovering God there

to give thanks

for a new way of seeing

an insight

not afforded

by easy times

but a saving grace

of trial.