The Survivors

THE SURVIVORS

I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Amplified Bible

The popular TV show depicts people from various backgrounds of life on a remote island where they are faced with desperate living conditions and difficult assignments. The aim is to endure every test and to win the battle. Week by week someone is dismissed from the challenge. The goal is to be the last one standing and win the grand prize of one million dollars. Like the TV show, we are often confronted with life situations that prove to be difficult. We are faced with the challenge to endure, to make it through, to pass the tests of life. Also like the TV show, the rewards for being the ultimate survivor are grand. Every participant knows going in that there will be challenges and difficulties. But they consider the prize to be won well worth the price to be paid.

The effort to win requires eliminating distractions, dedication, and persistence. The Apostle Paul spoke of the competitive design God has placed in each of us to win life’s battles and to endure every situation. The Christian is secure with his salvation in Christ. It is not something you work at. However, our surviving during times of testing is dependant upon our response. This is why some people make it when others quit, and others quit when they should have made it. Paul described himself as an athlete in training. He understands the necessity of endurance as he steps into the arena. To win the battle is to outlast the opposition. That’s a one sentence definition of being a survivor… You outlast your enemy, you outlive the storm. The dictionary defines survive as: To carry on despite hardships or trauma; Persevere; To live, persist, or remain usable through; To continue to function or prosper despite setbacks; To outlive

The very thought of being a survivor carries the thought that you made it when others didn’t. You continued on in spite of hardships. You persevered. Some people make it when others quit, and others quit when they should have made it.

There are battles that each of us must face. In the natural arena, they sometimes can be overwhelming. There are times when our focus is on our problems instead of the solution. You may be in a crisis situation right now. You may feel the storm is raging and you are going under. But I have some good news for you. Help is coming your way. The ONE who walked into the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo is coming to your aid. The ONE who walked on the water in the midst of the storm to get to his disciples is coming into your situation. You are not going under. He will see you through what you are going through. He is able to save, rescue, heal, deliver, and fill you with His glory. His name is JESUS!

Some people make it when others quit, and others quit when they should have made it. No matter what you are going through, there is the promise of ONE who said He will never leave you or forsake you, but will be with you always. He is coming to your aid today with comfort, strength, peace, and joy. Help is on the way for your recovery. You will make it through this thing. Hold on… this, too, shall come to pass. You can rise above it, outlast it, and live again. The God who has brought you to it can bring you through it!