The Power of Resistance
Why do we get infuriated when something blocks our way to success? Should success come easily? Is it really worth the effort? Think about this, resistance builds character just like it builds muscle.
Consider the simple way we build our bodies; attempt to improve physical prowess. When we run, the best way to improve, move faster, is to push off the ground harder. The ground provides resistance and our body uses that surface to propel us faster. When we first start weight training, do we load up the bar with the most weight? No. We start small and incrementally add more resistance and more repetitions over time. Before long, that weight we struggled with at the very start of weigh training becomes very easy for us to lift. In fact, at this stage, that small amount of weight gives us very little benefit.
When I first started working out on the bench press, my young body struggled with even lifting the bar. My knowledge was small, my muscles were unprepared, and I had no technique, no plan. I was clumsy and inefficient. Nowadays, if I tried to workout with just the bar, it would take too many reps to get a good workout. More resistance makes me better. Our bodies are built to adapt and grow based on an incremental increase in resistance.
The same thing holds true when we are faced with mental, emotional or spiritual challenge. To the untrained mind, an
obstacle may appear insurmountable. Much like that message on a car’s side mirror, perhaps all new experiences should come with this advice: ‘Warning: Objects may appear larger than they really are!’ Our inexperience means we stumble as we try to overcome obstacles.
As you grow in stature, maturity and experience, you find that these mountains blocking your way were really only small hills. In fact, like riding a rollercoaster, these bumps might actually give you a richer experience, make your accomplishments that much more satisfying. These experiences give us more agility as we train our minds to be more efficient.
Don’t miss the inherent benefits of resistance: it can also give you protection and assurance. Enamel provides resistance to cavities, sunscreen provides blockage from the harmful rays of the sun, a storm shelter provides protection from a tornado, wisdom and prayer can provide protection from sin.
Resistance isn’t always a bad thing. An ideology, a new philosophy, a new system can actually resist, change the status quo. Apartheid was the system of racial segregation enforced through legislation in South Africa until 1994. Through protests, embargos and internal resistance, the government of South Africa finally relented and ended Apartheid, culminating with the election of Nelson Mandela as President in 1994.
So remember, the next time you encounter resistance and you’re perplexed, take a step back and take a longer look. Embrace the opportunity to grow and get better.
Resistance can build us and we can build upon it. Make resistance work for you. You can do it! I’m proud of you!
Love dad
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