Only the Strong Survive
Strong –powerful , Not easily captured or defeated, Extreme; drastic:
Capable of the effective exercise of authority:
As Human beings we have a strong will in our character. We were designed in our personalities to be strong.
Just a few quotes on being strong
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link, and life is after all a chain.
“William James U.S. Psychlogist”
See we got to be strong in this age . As people of god we must look at being strong. Why did I title this only the strong Survive. Because we are living in a time where the battle for your soul is on. The things of this world , the desire of the flesh and the enemy of our soul wants to get a piece of us.
“ And behold I am coming quickly and my reward is with me , to give to everyone according to his work.”
Lord Jesus, Rev 22:12
You may not know Jesus or might not even know how serious this battle is but after this . I pray that God will reveal himself like never before.
2Nd Timothy 2:1
“ You therefore my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus “
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman .As we know Timothy was like a son to Paul and words of encouragement was made here. Not only did he direct him in Church activity , but he dealt with him personally .
Which is this message is on. Surviving through our battles as a Christian. What was written was that he wanted Timothy to be strong in the Grace that God gives.
Philippians 4:19 reads “ And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus “
Many times we don’t see the way God does things within our lives and we can’t to seem to find the way out of our circumstances or problems.
But God supplies every need in our lives . Not just financially , but spiritually.
I believe that is what the Apostle Paul meant with Timothy by being strong in the grace .
It’s up to us if we want the strength of God within our lives . That’s how we overcome what we go through.
As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger.
To survive is to live through. To go through what we go through.
How we stay strong is when our faith in him is fit. The bible says that no man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God .
God wants to raise a people who are solid and on fire for him and not to give into the enemies tactics.
Later in this chapter he tells him about standing strong as a good soldier.
See a good soldier will endure through the battle . Not only endure . But prepare , get equipped , be ready for anything that may come their way .
Sometimes were not ready and we fall short but God has given the opportunity to stand firm for him.
Ephesians 6:10States” Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might “
Always remember to focus on God and his might and calling .
His might means his character , his nature , his WORD.
His calling is the relationship that he has with you and you with him
This is how we survive.
A few things that will help you in your love for him.
S- Serious about God.
Being serious is when we begin to commit more to him. In our personal lives and in the things we do. All of sudden he becomes all and we become nothing.
He must increase , but I must decrease John 3:30
Our commitment level to him becomes everything. Begin to take things serious , were only here once in our lives . Let’s make most of our relationship with him.
Don’t let the opposition take you down . the world may try to take the joy away. But when you determine in your heart . God will see you through.
T- Telling others about God – see what helps you and I to get more strong and mature for Christ is when we start to share the God we serve to others. It becomes a lifestyle and we people begin to see what your all about.
One Man of God said to me one time . “ you want to give the devil a black eye then grab a stack of flyers go to the streets and tell people about Jesus. “
As we go to the street corners and sleazy motels where the people God wants to reach to. Then a strength from the Holy Spirit empowers our lives . This is where the power spot of any Christian is.
Jesus said “ Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature “
Next time your feeling weak go out and tell someone about Jesus and watch the power of God move.
R- Relying on God in our difficulties. In everything we do God is there for us.
James says , “ My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials . knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
This where we get built in our lives is when things around us are going and we start to rely on God for a move like never before. It is important to rely on him because he’s the one who strengthen’s our faith. Just stay close to him and he will be there to pick you up .
We sing songs that though our world may fall that we will never let him go . do we really let him go . Do we get all emoitionally and worried that if things aren’t looking good we want to give up.
O- Open to God’s way is another thing that will us be strong .When understand that God could use or move through anything then we will recognize the Power of his Holy Spirit. Very important that we remain open.
How do we remain open ? Through the counsel of God.
“ having made known to us the mystery of his will , according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself “ Eph 1:9
See when were open to God’s way the will of God will be revealed within our lives . This is a way we become strong is we when we start seeing the will of God for our lives.
It is his pleasure to reveal his will to you . That’s why it is important to stay open to him.
N- Next Level. Taking things to the next level in our lives is another element that will help us be strong. What’s the level where your at. What are we striving for . God has given us the ability to achieve great things for him
Potential to become ministers ., doctors , buisnesss men , family men , good wives.
But it all takes going to another level . Taking it from glory to glory .
How do we get there , survive the attacks of the devil and the flesh .
Deny ourselves and discipline our minds and spirit to press in to the things of God .
Get in involved to what God has . More involvement.
G- Go after the prize and pusue it.
See once God begins to reveal his will in your life , the strength will be upon you to pursue it. Once you get a taste of God , you can never go back. The prize is not just heaven . but it’s the high calling in Christ Jesus that will motivate us . Knowing that god has placed me , called me , showed me and yet still loved me is a good thing to know.
The apostle paul says that I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus .
What’s going to help be strong ? the grace of God . Many times our struggles hold us back . But God is able to break every yoke of Bondage.
ã Tim Rabara 2001 Victory Outreach Santa Maria
