The Power of Resilience: From Wheelchair to Walking
There are times in life when everything seems to be falling apart, when the odds are stacked so high against you that it feels impossible to move forward. It's in these moments of despair that we are faced with a choice: to surrender to the pain, or to rise above it. My journey, which led to a supernatural healing after being told I would never walk again, was not just a miracle; it was a journey of building resilience, faith, and the unwavering belief that God is faithful, even in our darkest hours.
I spent 11 long years in a wheelchair, grappling with the reality that my life would never be the same. Doctors had told me I would never walk again. For a while, I believed them. But that belief in what others said about my limitations was not my true story. My true story was about choosing resilience.
Resilience in the Midst of Despair
When I was first told I would never walk again, I felt the weight of those words like a heavy chain. For years, I was bound to a wheelchair, unable to live the life I once knew. The pain, the frustration, the overwhelming sense of hopelessness were constant companions. There were days when I felt like giving up, when it felt too hard to fight one more battle.
But here's what I learned—resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about choosing to rise, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about choosing to have faith, even when your circumstances tell you otherwise.
I remember those moments of deep despair—when I cried out to God, wondering why I had to endure such suffering. But it was in those moments that I began to build resilience. I made a decision that I wouldn’t let my circumstances define me. I couldn’t control what had happened to me, but I could control my response.
The Power of a Mindset Shift
One of the most important things I learned on my journey was the power of a mindset shift. Resilience isn’t just about physically getting through something; it’s about changing the way you think about your situation.
In the beginning, I saw myself as a victim of circumstances. I saw my wheelchair as a symbol of defeat. But over time, I began to see it differently. I began to see it as an opportunity to grow. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but little by little, I shifted my perspective. I started to ask myself, “What can I learn from this? How can I grow stronger in the waiting?”
This mindset shift didn’t just change how I viewed my physical limitations; it changed my entire life. It changed how I approached my relationship with God, my faith, and my future.
Waiting with Faith and Patience
The hardest part of my journey wasn’t just the physical limitations—it was the waiting. Waiting for healing. Waiting for change. Waiting for the moment when I would be able to walk again. I had to learn that healing is a process, and sometimes, God’s timing is different from ours.
During that waiting period, I had moments of doubt. I wrestled with questions like, “Will I ever walk again?” But it was in those moments of waiting that I learned resilience on a deeper level. It’s in the waiting that God works on our hearts. He refines us, molds us, and builds something in us that can’t be built in times of ease.
Even in the waiting, I had to choose to trust. I had to choose to believe that God was still at work, even when I couldn’t see the full picture. And in that trust, I found peace.
The Moment of Healing
When my healing finally came, it was nothing short of supernatural. The day I walked again after 11 years of being bound to a wheelchair was a moment I will never forget. But the miracle itself wasn’t just the physical act of walking—it was the culmination of all the years of building resilience, trusting God, and choosing faith over fear.
That moment of healing didn’t happen in a vacuum. It was the result of years of choosing to rise above my circumstances, years of saying, “I will not let this defeat me.”
Resilience is a Choice
Looking back, I realize that resilience wasn’t something that was magically given to me—it was something I chose every single day. It was about choosing to rise above the negative voices, both external and internal, that told me I couldn’t. It was about choosing to believe in something greater than my circumstances and trusting that God had a purpose for my life, even in the pain.
Healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is a journey. It’s not always linear, and it doesn’t always happen the way we expect. But resilience is what carries us through. It’s what keeps us moving forward, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. It’s about choosing to rise, not because we are strong enough, but because we trust that God is faithful and that He is with us every step of the way.
Encouragement for You
If you are going through a tough season—whether it's physical pain, emotional struggles, or a sense of hopelessness—I want to encourage you: resilience is available to you. You don’t have to wait for your circumstances to change before you choose to rise. You don’t have to wait for the miracle before you start believing.
You are stronger than you realize. You are capable of overcoming more than you think. And most importantly, God is with you. His promises are true, and He is faithful to walk with you through every challenge.
I know that sometimes it feels impossible, but I want you to remember this: Resilience is built in the waiting, in the moments of doubt, and in the struggle. It’s a choice you make every day, and it’s in those choices that you find your strength.
If you're in a season of waiting, don’t give up. Trust the process, and know that you are being refined and strengthened for what’s to come. Your miracle is on the way, and you are being prepared to rise.
Final Thoughts
Your story is still being written, and just like mine, it will be a story of resilience, healing, and renewal. Whatever you’re facing today, know that you have the strength to rise above it. Choose resilience, trust in God’s timing, and keep walking in faith. Your journey isn’t over yet, and the best is yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is resilience, and why is it important?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, trauma, or challenges. It's not about avoiding difficulties but choosing to rise despite them. Resilience is crucial because it helps us navigate life's tough seasons with strength, perseverance, and faith. It allows us to keep moving forward even when things seem impossible.
2. How do I start building resilience in my own life?
Building resilience starts with small steps, like changing your mindset. Begin by reframing negative thoughts and choosing to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Lean on your faith and trust that God is with you every step of the way. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you, and take time for self-care. Over time, these small practices will build your resilience.
3. How long does it take to build resilience?
There’s no set timeline for building resilience. It’s a process that takes time, and it may look different for everyone. The key is to stay consistent, trust in God's timing, and be patient with yourself as you work through challenges. Remember, resilience grows through experiences, so the more you face difficulties with faith, the stronger you'll become.
4. What if I don’t feel strong enough to be resilient?
It's normal to feel weak or overwhelmed at times. Resilience doesn’t mean you’re always strong or have it all together—it’s about choosing to keep going even when you don’t feel strong. When you feel weak, lean on God for strength. He promises to be with you in every moment, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
5. How can I trust God during difficult times?
Trusting God during difficult times can be challenging, but it’s essential for building resilience. Start by reminding yourself of His promises in Scripture. Reflect on past moments when He has been faithful to you. Prayer is a powerful tool—ask God to help you trust Him more and to give you peace in the waiting. Faith is built over time, and God will guide you through each season.
6. Can resilience help me in my business and personal life?
Yes! Resilience is essential in both business and personal life. In business, you will face challenges like setbacks, failures, and unexpected obstacles. Resilience helps you to bounce back, learn from mistakes, and continue moving forward. In your personal life, resilience enables you to grow stronger through life’s difficulties, develop a deeper relationship with God, and persevere in your goals.
7. What role does faith play in building resilience?
Faith plays a crucial role in resilience. When we trust in God, we gain the strength to face challenges and the assurance that we are not alone. Faith gives us the courage to keep going when the journey is tough, knowing that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). It’s through faith that we draw on His strength and are able to rise above any adversity.
