Pastor B.J. Knefley

Which are you interested in? Or perhaps the question should relate to which you operate in? Do you go through life in survival mode or thriving mode? How you answer that question will determine how you view and respond to life and its adventures.

I am a realist. I know that amid struggles it’s hard to thrive. But I believe that it is possible to thrive in the grip of survival that makes getting through something possible. Sometimes the only thing one can do in life is survive. Events and unseen situations happen to everyone. Some of those are overwhelming and life-shattering. So why do some thrive while some can only survive? How is it that two people can experience the same horrid event and come out differently?

I believe strongly that life, one’s interpretation of life, and subsequent response determine the outcome. That doesn’t mean that the outcome of the event is different, but our response is different. For one, it’s a blessing, and for the other, it’s a curse. A different way of looking at it is for one it’s happening to them while the other it’s happening for them. One is looking at life and its events through the lens of a victim, while the other isn’t. You’d be surprised how much different it changes one’s perspectives, responses, and actions. I’m not implying that one has it easier but rather that one sees it differently and responds differently causing a different outcome.

There’s a saying that I believe in, “Hope has a name.” Jesus is that hope. The deeper I go into understanding all that His name means, my ability to thrive is enhanced. When I understand His purpose and His call upon my life, I develop a deeper understanding of my purpose. As both continue to develop, I see life through these lenses. When I understand that trials and hardships are allowed and that through them, I can learn and grow and my ability to thrive is again enhanced. However, in each situation, I must make a choice. I can choose to go into survival mode, or I can choose a way to thrive. It doesn’t make it easier, but it does make it possible. Think about it.