Stayin’ Alive by Ben Hayes

As discussed in the video, being prepared both mentally and physically, is a huge factor in the survival of those who find themselves in the middle of a disaster. As Christians we understand that the same is true for us when we face spiritual battles. So being prepared, like those entering a battle, is a necessity (Ephesians 6:10-20; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Encourage One Another

Thankfully, God did not leave us on an island to face these struggles alone. We have been given the church to encourage one another and help us through the struggles that we face. In the same physical disasters that were mentioned in the video, it seems that rather than mass hysteria during those times, in most circumstances people actually help one another survive. In fact, it seemed that the chances of survival greatly increased when people worked together.

This, too, is true for the church, isn’t it? We are encouraged throughout Scripture to help one another (Galatians 6:2). When things were tough for the church early on, they got together and prayed for strength to continue to work and for deliverance of other Christians (Acts 4:23-31; 12:5). They came to each other’s defense (Acts 19). My hope is that in the modern church that we also have one another’s backs when we face struggles and trials like they did in the first century. It doesn’t have to be some huge disaster or persecution for us to band together. Maybe it is a spiritual struggle that one person in the youth group is having. It is a beautiful thing when we encourage and strengthen one another.

Proper Focus

It seems that those who have survived struggles also have a different mindset. Many times, those who stayed alive in concentration and prison camps, lost at sea, or in the mountains have had a different focus. They thought about what they had to look forward to or about those who had been through similar circumstances. Hebrews 12 teaches that as well. That chapter comes on the heels of a lengthy discussion of those of faith who conquered various situations through faith. As Christians, we take courage from those folks but one of the greatest things that we have is the ability to look to Jesus as an example. He endured the cross thinking of “the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). He was focused on what was to come. His deliverance from the struggle and our deliverance from sin.

We have much to look forward to us well. So, Paul reminds us that if we are raised up with Christ that we should “keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” He then adds, “Set your mind on things above, not on the things of the earth” (Colossians 3:1-4). The reason for that focus is that our life has been hidden with Christ in God and one day we will be revealed with Him in glory. That launches a discussion in Colossians 3 about the things in life that we need to get rid of (3:5-9) and the things that we need to add to our Christian walk (10-17). Having the proper focus leads to the appropriate lifestyle which helps us to have healthy relationships (3:18-4:6).

Difficult times will come. They are inevitable. However, being ready for the struggles will greatly increase our chances of spiritual survival. Be prepared. Encourage one another. Have the proper focus. Stay Alive.