Survival Tips
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Bear Grylls is no stranger to survival. This adventurer is a trained survival expert who served in the Special Air Services of the British army. On the Discovery Channel, you can watch Bear Grylls in his show, Man Versus Wild. Bear gets placed in the center of the wilderness with a knife, a small canister for water and the clothes on his back. He then teaches local survival techniques by showing how to get out alive. In situations where most would panic, remain lost or die, Bear finds his way back to civilization.
Bear offers four basic survival tips for all journeys: 1. Always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you’ll be back. 2. Be prepared by learning about where you are going, bringing the right tools and supplies. 3. Use common sense, such as, if you’re hungry, eat. 4. Expect that you will get out okay. Don’t underestimate how far you can go.
Bear’s survival tips are not only key for the wilderness, they are also key for Christians in our walk of faith. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he encourages Timothy to push through the persecution he is facing and stay strong in his faith. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to Timothy and had lived a life persecuted for his faith. Paul was a survival expert in staying strong in God’s Word and guidance.
I think if Paul was to write out his survival tips for Timothy they would be similar to Bear’s. 1. Don’t travel alone. Make sure you surround yourself with like-minded believers who will walk with you and help you be accountable should something lead you astray. 2. Be prepared with the armor of God. Know the Word of God. Pay close attention to what is being taught in the Scriptures. 3. Don’t be foolish. Think about what God’s desire for you is and do not waste your time on things that are unwise. 4. Hang onto hope. You don’t go through this life for perishable rewards here, but for eternal rewards. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
Are you a survival expert?
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GOING DEEPER:
1. Everybody faces persecution or difficult times in their life, what do you need to be doing to survive and keep your eyes focused on eternal things?
2. Who do you have in your life who can warn you when you are taking a wrong turn?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 119:89-91; Ephesians 6:10-18; Romans 3:19-31; 2 Timothy 3:1-9
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