Courageous by Dr. Robert JeffressÖrnek

A Survival Guide for Christians

Most of the struggles you and I will face in this life have little to do with the practice of intense survival skills in order to withstand unlikely catastrophes—plane crashes, shipwrecks, or burning buildings. As Christians, though, we must learn how to rise above the daily challenges of living out our faith in this complicated world. It’s easy to get stuck in survival mode, just trying to figure out how to make it through each day. But the life that God calls us to is so much more! Throughout this week, you will find practical tips on how to have courageous faith in a culture that is opposed to God and His truth, as well as the biblical answers, encouragement, and hope you need to thrive in your own personal struggles.

You see, what is true in survival situations—a soldier behind enemy lines, a mountain climber caught in a blizzard, or a sailor on dangerous seas—is equally true of followers of Jesus living in an increasingly secular world. Like all survivors, we must not allow ourselves to become sidelined by fear. Instead, we choose to rely on certain learned skills to make it through stressful circumstances and difficult environments.

The days ahead contain stories of people whose courage and coolheaded responses helped them survive seemingly hopeless situations. As you read their stories, you will discover that survivors not only have a different response to troubles but also have a different perspective on life.

Jesus never taught that Christianity is an automatic exemption from trials. In fact, difficulties are part of the price we pay for living in this world. Consider Christ’s words in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Notice that Jesus didn’t say that we would live without problems; instead, He offers us a way to thrive despite our problems.

We will look at six survival strategies that Christians must use to navigate the tumultuous terrain of today’s world. My prayer is that this time will strengthen your courage by serving as a kind of spiritual compass to guide you, with true north pointing to Christ.

What survival skills do you have in place in order to make it through the challenges of life? Ask God to form within you a readiness for battle—ways to prepare you to make it through difficulty.