By Pastor Jennifer Moore
When we normally speak about survivors, we tend to associate this with people who have survived a plane crash or a life threatening serious accident, an illness that was diagnosed as terminal. In many ways a survivor can best be described as a person that has the ability to cope with and get through any situations or any afflictions whether personal or otherwise.
Accordingly a victim on the other hand, choose not to let go of the past, but to allow a situation or a composition of events, to overcome them to the extent of the inability whether physically or mentally of not recovering. There is a thin line in being a survivor of a victim, and in certain circumstances this will rest on choices to put the past behind.
A survivor is one who does not allow a situation or circumstance to define him/her but looks through that difficulties, or tragedy with positive mindset, drawing strength from the experience, thus equipping themselves to perhaps later on to motivate others.
A survivor vision remains alive because they have the inner ability to cope with challenging situations or painful afflictions and are able to pull themselves through life’s challenges. A prime example of this is the ability to cope with the death or separation of a much loved one. However to that effect, we have a tendency to forget about the emotional and psychological trauma that an individual can suffer because of personal experiences.
The Bible uses the word ‘overcomer’ which means to prevail, to pass over, and to gain the victory. We have all survived a situation in one way or other - right from the moment our parents met by being the one sperm out of millions. Apostle Paul describe it better in Philippians 3:13 ‘Brother and sisters I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead’.
Those who have survived must choose to let others know, must be a witness to others of God saving grace, to encourage those going through torment. We are victorious in mine, body and soul - even in times of setback delay, denial and rejection. We are winners.
Never be silent but comfort those enduring suffering and humiliation, If you want to be victorious, it is time to stop trying and start trusting - the world is waiting for the manifestation of the power God has deposited in you. ‘ARISE’ this is your time to shine’ to do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Life, they say is not perfect. Don’t settle for just surviving, be victorious...be an over comer.
When you get a knock, get up, dust yourself and get on with living, for you are a SURVIVOR!.