Make It Out Alive: A 5 Day Devotional by Kristian StanfillSample

Make It Out Alive

Years ago, a friend gave me a 3x5 card with a quote from a poem that said, “Traveler, there is no path. Paths are made by walking.” It hung on our refrigerator for quite some time and served as a daily reminder that if I wanted to venture into new territory or blaze a new trail, I would have to take action and start clearing the path step by step. Moving from where we are to somewhere we have never been takes effort and discipline, but I’ve learned through the last season that it is possible.

This is certainly true in moments of testing or trial. When we find ourselves at rock bottom or standing at the base of a seemingly insurmountable mountain, we have a choice to make. Are we going to stay at the bottom or put one foot in front of the other and forge a path up and out? I believe that God uses these moments to remind us He is with us and that by His strength and with His help, He will guide us through. No doubt it is difficult, but there is a purpose in it.

James 1:2-4 says…

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Perseverance means “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” The implication is that it won’t be easy, but we keep at it. ‘Overnight success’ sounds like a good idea, but God knows it won’t produce in us what perseverance can. God loves us enough to deliver us one step at a time, teaching us along the way about His goodness and faithfulness. This step-by-step journey allows the trial to produce the fruit it’s meant to bear in our lives. When we stay in step with God, we will eventually look up and realize that we are not where we once were. We find ourselves on higher ground and walking in the light again. The greatest example of perseverance is Jesus himself. Hebrews 12:1-3 says…

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jesus modeled what it looks like to trust the Father through adversity and trial. He shows us that while pain is often part of the equation, we can be confident that our good and God’s glory are on the other side. This confidence is why we can willingly step into the furnace and let the fire serve its purpose; we will make it out alive.