Survival

<<not destroyed in spite of>>

When at times the circumstances of life are overwhelming with our heads seemingly just above water, and you doubt if you can survive do not give in to self-pity or be tempted to give up, but maintain your integrity and focus on Jesus who promises to always be with us (Heb 13:5). Even though the events in the world look gloomy and our own situation in the natural is in peril, we are to comfort one another

Are my eyes on the Lord or what is against me?

with the promises of Scripture (Mt 10:29-31; 2 Cor 1:4; 1 Thes 4:18). Don’t be controlled by, or fearful of the circumstances for greater is the Holy Spirit who is in us, than Satan who is in the world and desires to steal from us what is rightfully ours as children of God (Jn 10:10; 1 Pet 5:8,9; 1 Jn 4:4). Jesus is for us, not against us; in fact nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:31-39). The Bible states, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'…The godly run to Him and are safe” (Ps 91:1,2; Prov 18:10). While God doesn’t promise us life free of danger, He does promise His help whenever we face danger for it is only His great mercy that has kept us from complete destruction (Lam 3:21,22). We should follow the example of Jesus who kept His eyes on the long-term and eternal goal (Heb 12:2,3).

Here are some of the recorded times David expressed that his trust and hope was in God, confident he was in God’s good hands, often when his life was in danger (Ps 7:1, 16:1, 17:8,9, 23:4, 31:1, 56:4,11).

While it is uncertain as to the timing of the rapture when true believers are removed from the earth, the Bible speaks of increasingly troublesome times coming on the world, with “Men’s hearts failing them with fear” (Mt 24:6-29; Lk 21:26). The important thing is to be ready for His coming, which could happen at any time, and to live in such a way that we are not ashamed of our behaviour enduring whatever hardship that comes our way with joy (Mk 13:33-37). We must ensure we have turned to Jesus for salvation and rely on Him as the foundation (Jn 14:6).

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble…So do not fear, for I am with you…When you pass through the waters I will be with you…” (Ps 46:1; Isa 41:10, 43:2). Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not

Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord – Jeremiah 17:7

abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8,9). Live by the words spoken to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh 1:9). Even though he experienced many adverse events, Paul did not consider them worth comparing to the glory that would be revealed in us (Rom 8:18).

We must not think we have missed God’s protection if we experience troubles understanding He protects us through the circumstances, not necessarily by escaping them. Instead we are told to not give up our confidence in Christ but keep our hope alive in His promises (Heb 10:35). Even if we do not survive persecution for being a follower of Jesus but die as a martyr for our faith, our eternal destiny is secure in heaven for as believers, we are looking for the blessed hope of eternal life (Lk 12:5; Tit 1:2, 2:13, 3:7). Paul said “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). He considered he was a winner whether he remained alive or was put to death. The end of the matter can be summed up as, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim 4:18).

It is wise to be prepared and have a supply of food and other resources on hand rather than having near empty cupboards due to living ‘hand to mouth’ with no reserves for an emergency (Prov 21:20). As much as possible endeavour to be self-sufficient and not reliant on others as this puts you under their control and mercy to supply what you need. We must be discerning so unscrupulous people or any sudden downturn of events do not take us aware.

Because of their ongoing sin, God said most of the Israelites in the Old Testament would be destroyed yet the surviving remnant in compassion would be shown mercy if they turned back to Him (Deut 4:27,29).

The Bible says that when believers individually stand before Christ, all their spiritual works on earth will be judged, with what done in accordance with His will and faithfully in keeping with godly values will survive (and be rewarded) while what is done in the flesh with wrong motivation is worthless and will be destroyed (1 Cor 3:14,15). Do I hold to truth or error, walk in righteousness and do what I should do or not. Jesus used the illustration of two houses build on contrasting foundations likening those that hear His teachings and obey them will survive the storm while those who neglect to act as directed will be destroyed (Mt 7:24-27).