Hope in Escaping “Survival Mode”

Are you in "survival mode" today?

It seems we can often find ourselves there.

However, it is not a very good place for us to be – spiritually, emotionally or physically.

The physical reason for "survival mode" is times of great stress, famine or starvation. The body shuts down processes that are not essential for life: skin, hormones, hair, digestion, etc.

We find the same thing emotionally and spiritually.

When we are only surviving:

• we begin to cut ties to those to whom we are emotionally attached – usually family and close friends.
• Spiritually, we break off the most important habits of Bible reading and praying.

Our reasoning is this:

• those who really love us are "safe" to ignore. They will still be here when this crisis is over.
• Spiritually, we think we can get back to our Bible reading and prayer time when the stress has passed.

The truth is that we can survive a short while in this mode. Your body can shut down certain processes, you can ignore your loved ones and not pick up your Bible or spend time in prayer – for a little while.

If you spend too long in this place, however, you will begin to become unhealthy.

• Your body will break down,
• your family will begin to fall apart and
• you will grow cold, bitter and indifferent in your relationship to the Heavenly Father.

We are not meant to live perpetually in "survival mode".

I would recommend the first change to make in order to emerge from this state is to

You will find yourself seeking the emotional connection with others who love the Lord, and with those who are important to you. You will probably find that you begin to feel better physically as well.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

The enemy of our soul strives to steal our life here; Christ gave His life to us that we might truly live a life of great joy and fulfillment.

There is great hope in escaping "survival mode" and entering into "thriving mode" through the power of the God of our salvation.