What Doesn’t Kill You
Friedrich Nietzsche would probably be the last philosopher that I would ascribe to. The 19th-century German wise-guy spent much of his relatively short life questioning most religion, and opposing Christianity in particular. His focus on the will and on personal power was so self-centered and it pretty much contradicted everything that Jesus taught.
But there was one statement that he is famous for that he might have gotten right. It is a saying that has been popularized in our generation in the lyrics of multiple songs, including a big hit by Kelly Clarkson from 2011.
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Nietzsche included that statement as "aphorism #8" in his Maxims and Arrows section of his 1888 book entitled Twilight of the Idols, which was intended as a critiques of what he saw as the outdated beliefs of his time, including religion. I don't think he realized that the one truth he would be most remembered for lines up with what the Bible teaches about enduring affliction.
The principle behind the statement was that when we face and overcome challenges or hardship in life, it can lead to personal growth and resilience. Which is pretty much what James and Paul and others in Scripture reminded us regularly. James even said that we should consider it something joyful when we face trials, because we know that it is through those trials that our faith matures. (James 1:2-4) Paul also said we should even rejoice in times of suffering (Romans 5:3-5), knowing that it is through perseverance in hard times that God builds character in our lives, and ultimately that is what leads to hope.
So, the key to making the most of those times of affliction is what we know: ultimately that the experience can be beneficial to us, which gives us the strength to endure.
Paul would also talk about the same idea from his own personal perspective, in 2 Corinthians 9. He spoke of his "thorn in the flesh," that he assumed was there in his life to grow him in his dependence on the Lord. He said he prayed several times for the Lord to take it away, and then he came to understand how valuable it was, because through it he realized that Christ's power was perfected in his weakness. "Therefore," he said, "I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
There's a term in science that basically speaks of the same thing. It is "hormesis," and it is an important part of how God designed us to function physically. The simple way of explaining it is that when your body faces a challenge or a stressor, it becomes stronger as a result. It's the principle behind why we work out in the gym, and the old adage: "no pain, no gain." Specifically, hormesis is important to us because it causes us to adapt to improve cellular health, which helps us live longer. Effectively, it's the scientific principle of: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
So Nietzche at least got something right! The trials and afflictions we face may be difficult, but they are worth it. Or they can be, if we work with the Lord instead of against Him in allowing Him to mature us in our faith and grow our character.
So hang in there, knowing that the Lord is using your situation to strengthen you. I'm praying for you, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
--Pastor Ken
