Survivor’s Manual
by Zeke Flores
One of the great things about Christianity—and there are many—is that life comes with an instruction manual, a kind of survival kit, if you will. If you've lived long enough to take your first steps (and if you're reading this, there's a good chance you have), you know that life throws a steady succession of twists and turns at you.
It may be a rocky personal relationship that's aching your heart,
- a financial crisis that's got you preoccupied and anxious,
- sickness that's got you worried,
- the loss of a loved one that's left you in a deep, dark cloud,
- political turmoil that's got you uncertain,
- or one of a thousand other situations that threaten your calmness and stability.
Knowing there's a reliable source we can depend on to help us get through it all is reassuring.
Paul the apostle is an excellent example of surviving despite a steady barrage of seeming setbacks. He wrote the letter to the Philippians, among others, while he was in prison for preaching Christ's positive, soul-saving message. Yet, despite not knowing whether he'd live or die, let alone be released from his imprisonment, he wrote that he could do all things through the One who gave Him strength. He said he could remain calm no matter the circumstances because he relied on Someone bigger than his circumstances.
Somebody once said, "You're either in a storm, just got out of one, or about to enter one." True enough. It sounds scary, but realistically, we understand that change and trouble come to all. Who knows what's around the corner? It doesn't matter; we have God's word, which instills courage, and His help through His Son, which provides hope.
So, no matter what curveball life hurls at you, keep calm and carry on.
"I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11-13).
