Be a Survivor

What does it really mean to survive? For some it's a rough day at work, others overcoming an abusive childhood, and some the tragic accident or near death experience. We all survive differently, in our own ways, from our own things. Always having thought of myself as a survivor, I recently watched a show where a woman held at gun point, fought back and was shot several times. Tears fell from my eyes the entire time. How could someone survive something so horrific? What supernatural strength she had. I could not imagine. Is it even fair to correlate my story of survival to hers? I love how things can be put into perspective for me, just like that. Gala 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I know this is an extreme example of surviving, but this is truly how extreme our fight is. We are outnumbered, we are fighting for our lives and the lives of others. I believe that survival starts with faith. We must maintain a level of clarity as we are being attacked, whether it is an emotional or a physical attack. 1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy prowls around you like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him standing firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. We can be taken off guard so quickly, only to realize we are close to our death, in death I mean our spiritual death. Most of us will never experience such extreme circumstances of survival as the woman who was shot did. But, most of us will or are under attack right now and are fighting for our survival. Choose to survive, be able to share your story of overcoming so you may too encourage someone else. There is a song I love.....be strong in the Lord and never give up hope......words to live by. He wants us to run to Him for safety. Stand firm on His love and know He will sustain us from any attack we come under. We are His prize and He is ours. I love that I was chosen by Him to be in this fight. He loves me so much he stretches me beyond what I think is possible for me. I think of that as I parent my own child, hoping he will not have to endure the things I have. I realize from time to time that what I ask my son to do may be difficult for him or even myself to experience, but his growth in the end will far outweigh the cost. That growth I require of my son is out of pure, unconditional love, period. And to think I too am loved like that is amazing. When things seem too difficult, reach to that faith and love God has given you. He loves and chose you. Now, choose Him and become a survivor!