When Resistance Shows Up, Growth Is Happening
If it feels hard, you may be closer to breakthrough than you think.
A daily devotional adapted from The Drive podcast
Resistance is almost always present when we try to do something good.
The other day at the gym, I was reminded why resistance exists at all. Muscles only grow when they are forced to work against something that pushes back. That opposing force causes the muscle to break down, and in response, the body builds it back stronger than before. That process isn’t accidental—it’s by design.
The same principle applies to our lives.
We live in a world of opposition. Day and night. Good and evil. Fear and faith. Weakness and strength. Growth requires an opposing force, and whenever we try to improve, change, or move forward in meaningful ways, resistance will show up.
That resistance isn’t a sign that something is wrong.
It’s often a sign that something is working.
Recognizing Resistance for What It Is
Resistance takes many forms. Sometimes it shows up as fear or doubt. Other times it looks like procrastination, distraction, or the constant feeling that we need just a little more preparation before we act. Resistance can even become physical—fatigue, sickness, or anxiety—right when opportunities for growth present themselves.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, delayed starting something important, or found yourself overwhelmed just thinking about what you want to accomplish, you’ve likely encountered resistance.
And here’s the key truth: resistance almost always appears when you’re close to growth.
Growth Happens a Little at a Time
A bird doesn’t escape its shell all at once. It chips away at it slowly—sometimes over hours or days. That struggle isn’t cruel; it’s necessary. Without it, the bird wouldn’t be strong enough to survive outside the shell.
Breakthrough works the same way.
If we focus too far ahead—on the entire journey, the final goal, or how long it might take—we can become overwhelmed and quit before we begin. But when we focus on the smallest possible step forward, something changes. We grow stronger, and the resistance slowly loses its power.
I used to be terrified of public speaking. The idea alone made me want to disappear. Now, speaking in front of others is one of the places I feel most comfortable—but that didn’t happen all at once. It happened one small step at a time. One opportunity. One moment of leaning in instead of backing away.
The task didn’t change. I did.
Persistence, even in the smallest ways, is the opposite of resistance.
Today’s Daily Challenge
Think about an area in your life where you’re feeling resistance right now.
Don’t focus on the end goal. Don’t think about tomorrow or next week. Instead, ask yourself:
What is the smallest step I can take today to lean into it?
Then take that step—today.
Resistance often means you’re standing right at the edge of growth. Keep leaning forward, one small step at a time.
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Thanks for taking a moment to reflect today.
If you’re looking for daily devotionals and episode topics, visit
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https://joshdowns.com/come-follow-me-for-teens
