By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
A survivor is someone who has lived through a tragic event. Survivors aren’t only those who lived while others died; sometimes resurfacing after enduring physical, emotional, or spiritual turmoil also makes us a survivor.
Using the acronym for SURVIVOR, we can look at a few qualities needed to walk through fire and endure the heat.
S – Scripture
No matter the chaos, no matter the level of stress, turning to Scripture and prayer provides a battlefront to face the insurmountable. God has all the answers, but we must allow Him to lead the way.
U – Understanding
Analyze the situation that has us overwhelmed. If it’s physical, seek medical counsel. If it’s emotional, talk to a trusted friend or professional. If it’s spiritual, seek help from a respected pastor or Christian counselor.
R – Reliance on His Promises
When we commit to overcoming the worst scenarios, we must trust in God’s promises that He is before, behind, beside, and dwells within us. We aren’t facing anything in this world alone.
V – Victory
Survivors never take their eyes off achieving victory. Meet large and small steps with gratitude and self-confidence. Once we reach a victory, we can march toward the next one.
I – Insight
Those who gain insight when challenged can reach deep for wisdom of what is going on around them. This helps not only in the present dilemma but also in future problems.
V – Value Our Experiences
Whatever we experience adds value and wisdom to our lives. God has directed people and events to shape and mold us into His people. Whatever we learn in our struggles is a concept to share with others so they can value their own experiences.
O – Obedience
Obedience comes in many forms: to God, to those in authority, and to those we respect. Survival often means adherence to the instructions of people who have the correct answers—even when we don’t agree.
R – Resilience
The resilience of character means strength for the person who remains steadfast when threats and challenges attempt to shove aside our beliefs and principles.
Are you ready to add SURVIVOR to your life’s résumé? What other traits would you recommend?
Comments 10
Loved this post. And what about the little lone flower. She doesn’t mind being by herself. She’s rugged. She’s tough. Such a survivor and an inspiration.
Love you so much.
Hi Julie, thank you so much!
Thank you, DiAnn, for encouraging us all to be survivors. These aren’t necessarily traits, but I think we need to forgive, grieve, and ultimately receive God’s healing to be survivors. Many people live through traumas and remain so wounded that all they do is hurt others. When we allow God to truly restore us and make us whole, then we can thrive and help others to also survive and fully live.
Thanks, Michelle, God wants all of us to be His surviviors.
Sometimes getting through a situation to the survivor stage is extremely difficult. Thank you for sharing this insight. Some of it is new and other parts are a needed reminder. Thank you!
Thanks, Patricia, I don’t think surviving is ever easy, but afterwards, we are better people. At the time, we want to crumble.
Survived a “broken spirit…dry bone” incident, (Prov. 17:22) when my good “Christian” friend spoke falsehoods about me several years ago.
I forgave and God got me through it.
My dear husband was such a great help to me through it all!
Hi Vondia, those we love can cause the most damage to our hearts. So glad God gave you the strength to forgive your friend.
DiAnn, this is timely. The acronym makes it memorable. We are all survivors of something, and we should celebrate!
Thank you, Molly Jo! I think whe we we can share our struggles and help others to be survivors, we have accomplished a ton of good.