Survival: Holding Firm When Life Overwhelms

When the circumstances of life threaten to sweep you away, survival is more than endurance — it is keeping your eyes on Jesus, the One who promises never to leave you.

God Is With Us in the Storm

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 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).

“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 abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8-9). Not destroyed in spite of every one of those pressures — his survival rested not on his own strength, but on God who sustains all who trust in Him.

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

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).

Protected Through Trouble, Not Necessarily From It

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).

Have an eternal perspective

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). 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).

Be Prepared – Practically and Spiritually

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). Even the ant is commended for this: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Prov 6:6-8). 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 unawares.

Use wisdom and common-sense

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).

The Bible says that when believers individually stand before Christ, all their spiritual works on earth will be judged, with what is done in accordance with His will and faithfully in keeping with godly values surviving (and being 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 built 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).

Survival, in the end, is not a matter of chance but of foundation: those whose lives are built on Christ and His words will stand, whatever the storm brings.

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

Reflection and Application

When circumstances close in, deliberately fix your eyes on Jesus rather than on what is against you.
Memorise a promise of refuge and run to God as your fortress whenever fear rises: “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’” (Ps 91:1-2).
Build sensible practical reserves and live prepared rather than fearful or ‘hand to mouth’.
Test your foundation: hearing and obeying Jesus so your life withstands the storms of life.