For years, I lived in survival mode, putting out one fire after another and never catching my breath. That cycle of chaos felt normal because it was all I knew. But Jesus didn’t die so we could stay stuck in survival; He came so we could live life abundantly (John 10:10).
When Survival Becomes a Cycle
Constant crisis kept me from being intentional. I inherited patterns that no one had the wisdom or courage to change, and those patterns shaped my beliefs about what was “possible.” Looking back, I see how often I relied on my own strength, my own understanding, and beliefs passed down to me, and how those choices led me into places only God could pull me from.
What Surrender Really Means
When we give our lives to Jesus, we exchange our will, fears, and old identities for new life in Him. The challenge is that many of us try to live for God without fully surrendering to God, only consulting Him when our plans fall apart. A surrendered life is an intentional life: “My life is not my own; I represent the Kingdom.” That truth reshapes every decision.
Feelings aren’t our confirmation that God’s Word is.
We measure choices by Scripture, not moods or opinions.
Build on the Rock
Jesus’ parable of the house on the rock vs. sand is simple and powerful: build on God’s Word, because it’s the only foundation that stands (Matthew 7:24-27). When the winds come, I’m secure not because I’m strong, but because I’m standing on the One who is.
Three Things My Family Patterns Taught Me
- There’s a truth behind every lie we believe. Expose the lie; embrace God’s truth.
- Anything can change if you’re willing to pay the price. Obedience is costly, but freedom is priceless.
- Identity in Christ holds everything together. Who God says you are is the bedrock of what you do.
Try This Today
- Pray: “Holy Spirit, show me where I’m surviving instead of surrendering.”
- Replace the lie: Write down one lie you’ve believed and one Scripture that replaces it.
- One intentional step: Choose a small, obedient action that aligns with God’s Word (call, forgive, apply, show up, submit the plan).
Ready to Live Intentionally—with Support?
If you’ve struggled to believe in God (or even believe in yourself), remember: God is indisputable. The only thing that can block His Word from manifesting in your life is unbelief and refusal to agree with Him.
Join us for the 30-Day Growing in Christ Challenge to reclaim what God has spoken over your life and start walking it out—day by day, verse by verse.
👉 Start here: Join the 30-Day Growing in Christ Challenge
Prefer a deeper dive? Purchase your copy of the Growing in Christ devotional to jump-start the life that’s waiting for you (also available on Amazon).
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