“The more important an activity is to your soul’s evolution, the more resistance you will feel.” – Steven Pressfield

“Resistance is the first step to change.” — Louise Hay 

“Victory will never be found by taking the path of least resistance.” — Winston Churchill

The attached picture is of Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in the Snake range at 13,064 feet and a part of the Great Basin National Park near Baker, Nevada.  I hiked to the top of it a few years back – one of the most difficult hikes I have ever done.  Once you are above the tree line, the oxygen is so thin that walking a hundred feet feels like walking a hundred miles.  Your heart pounds like it is coming out of your chest, and each breath is filled with an exertion that is hard to describe. 

There is tremendous resistance in each step you take upward, but once you reach the summit, the view is like none I have ever experienced in my life.  The foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the distant west and the vastness of the Great Basin to the east provide a breathtaking view!

It was worth every pounding heartbeat, every laboring step, and every exerted breath.  What lied at the summit was worth all the resistance encountered along the way!

The same can be said about life.

There is such a stark dichotomy between how we live culturally in this world and how we live out our spiritual purpose – the real reason we are alive in the first place.  One of the greatest examples of this can be found in the concept of resistance.

In our worldly culture, we are told to avoid it at all costs due to the unease and unwelcome pressure it creates.  We are encouraged to take “the path of least resistance” – the one that skirts the issue generating conflict, the one that eludes any additional effort or hard work that might be needed, and the one that sidesteps any difficult emotions that might surface as a result.

It seems easier and requires less resolve to end the marriage – to walk away from it rather than face the problems.  Jobs are easy to find, so why not just quit the one that’s dreadful and move on to something new.  The friendship is too burdensome – requiring too much work and effort, so shutting off communication, pretending they no longer exist, seems like the easiest and least messy way to end it.  The family issues are too overwhelming – so avoidance, distancing, and steering clear of any contact is the easiest way around it all.  The addiction is far easier to give in to – submitting to its control over us.  The numbing effects of drugs and alcohol make facing any kind of resistance we encounter far less painful or problematic. 

But think about it for a second…. Resistance is why we are here. 

One doesn’t grow or learn by taking the easy way out.  Life isn’t about finding the comfortable, effortless pathway through it.  It wasn’t designed so that we all float through it trouble-free.  It isn’t meant to be simple and undemanding – for what can really be learned, what can improve, and what can truly evolve within us without the presence of resistance?

Take some time today to think about your life in four categories: Family, Relationships, Career, and Personal Growth.

In each of these areas, where are you currently feeling the most resistance?  Where is there friction, tension, or discord?  What aspects within these areas make you feel like you are fighting an uphill battle, feel antagonistic, or seem to push you toward avoidance – looking for the pathway of LEAST resistance instead?

Once you have identified them, consider the following:

See Both Opportunity and Purpose in the Pathway of Resistance

When you come to the place of friction, stress, and difficulty within any of the areas I mentioned above, stop viewing it from the standpoint of misfortune, despair, and frustration.  Begin to see it within the context of purpose – an opportunity to learn and grow.

We get misled – believing life should be filled with perfect, devoted spouses, loving friends who shower us with affection and attention, big houses and fast cars, fun and frequent vacations, and financially rewarding work that is easy and effortless to accomplish.  Now THAT’S LIFE!

But that isn’t life – especially not the purpose and meaning behind it.  It’s about developing patience, learning how to love without condition, strengthening our faith, and relying on God for guidance, support, and direction – not our own.  These spiritual attributes are birthed in resistance – not in a life filled with ease, comfort, and pleasure.

See the marriage conflict as an opportunity to become more understanding and compassionate toward the viewpoint of your mate.  See the dreadful job as a chance to grow in gratitude – looking for the positive things it provides for you.  Embrace the family issues in the light of growing more patient and loving without condition.

Learn to SEE resistance as an opportunity filled with deeper purpose.  See it in the light of growth – for this is the REAL reason for its presence in your life.

Walk Directly with Determination TOWARD Resistance – Facing It Head On

Whatever you have identified as resistance in the areas above, avoid the urge to take the path of least resistance.  Instead, walk directly toward it – facing the resistance head on.  Greater patience cannot be developed unless it is tested.  Deeper love cannot be experienced unless it is cultivated and nurtured.  Stronger faith comes from living through experiences where there is no hope for a better tomorrow within them. True, meaningful friendship comes from sticking by someone even if they don’t deserve it.

What happens when we take the easy road, instead of walking directly and purposefully toward the resistance, is we avoid growing and learning in these treasured spiritual attributes.  What would happen in our lives if we loved deeper, had unshakable faith and hope, or became more grateful and patient in all circumstances?  What kinds of abundance and joy would these things provide?

They are not realized by avoidance, dismissal, or running the opposite direction – away from them instead of facing them head on.  Resistance creates positive change and growth.

So…. give more when there is nothing more to give.  Dream bigger dreams when all hope is gone.  Love deeper when no love is coming back your way.  Don’t run away from the darkness or conflict but run TOWARD it – being the light and the voice of reason within it.

Use Prayer and Meditation as you Face Resistance

It’s so easy to forget that EACH AND EVERY pathway of resistance we encounter was placed, created, or allowed by a God of love who SEES THE OPPORTUNITES within them – chances to grow and learn and become who He created us to be.

Realize that if a God of love is in the center of them, He is there to support, direct, and guide us along the way.

“Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason, keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.”  – Ephesians 6:18 GNT

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 NIV

“Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 GNT

Spend time each day meditating on each form of resistance you have listed above in each of the areas I outlined.  Think about what actions you need to take that FACE the resistance. Contemplate and recognize the progress you have made.  Consciously choose your next steps.  Internalize your growth and development – knowing without a doubt that it will bring you greater levels of joy and abundance in the long run.

I pray that God gives each of us the courage and insight to walk down the pathway of resistance with determination – seeing the wonderful opportunity and purpose it brings to life.  May He give us the strength to avoid being tempted to take the easy way out – running away from the conflict or difficulty – giving each of us a sense of peace and assurance that we are not alone as we face it head on.

God bless you my friends!