ARE  YOU  IN  SURVIVAL  MODE?

With so many catastrophes happening around the world through earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, terrorism, the massive increase in cancer, HIV and AIDS . . . and now the sudden dilemma of bird flu, what influence do all these things have on our thinking? Are we, like the world in general, caught up in the heavy and anxious atmosphere of these things?

Why does the sun rise on every new day, despite the trauma?

Why does the moon continue to shine at night?

Is it so that more catastrophes can happen?

Is it so that more people can be condemned to a Christless eternity?

No! It is because God has more people to yet bring into His kingdom; it’s His mercy, giving us an opportunity to turn our hearts toward Him; it is because His grace still abounds for whoever will hear His voice and obey the call - that is why He is shaking the earth, to get the attention of mankind; that is why He delays His Second Coming.

If we live in SURVIVAL MODE we are robbing others of coming to know the peace of God that is greater than all that we can understand or comprehend. Our calling as people of God is to carry the aroma of Christ to a desperate and needy world: a world where in many places peace seems an unachievable goal: peace seems only a word in the pages of a dictionary.

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep focusing on the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Keep your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2, ISV).

We will be so much more effective for Christ if our focus is kept on that which relates to Him and His plans, rather than that which is tearing and dividing the earth apart.

♥   Lift your eyes heavenward.

♥   Know that this is the day that the Lord has made for His purposes.

♥   Have a passion for the plans and purposes of God in your life.

Ponder for a moment Ecclesiastes 7:10, “Never ask, ‘Oh, why were things so much better in the old days?’ It’s not an intelligent question” (GNB).

How can we be living effectively for Jesus if we’re looking back at how things used to be? Or, how can we be carrying out the plans of Jesus now, today, if we’re in SURVIVAL MODE, looking inwardly at my predicament, my needs, or looking at life with a sense of woe is me?

Though this world and its systems are falling apart, we, the people of God, certainly aren’t!! We draw our hope and our strength from an inner source, the indwelling Spirit of the Living God. Our eyes are fixed on the Alpha and Omega; from the beginning to the end it is all in His timing and care, thus “This Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 – ISV).

The end hasn’t come yet! So don’t be functioning in SURVIVAL MODE, afraid of any and every thing that sweeps the world. Use your energy and strength for God. Make a difference in this day of much uncertainty and unrest. Let these be the best days of your Christian life.

~ Joan Emery