Thrive, not just Survive!

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:11-13

It was at Ft. Hood that we first heard the phrase, “I don’t want to just survive, I want to thrive!” A young Army wife was expressing her determination that, no matter what the circumstances, she was going to make the best of the deployment which she and her husband were facing (again). Seated around the table were others who agreed with her—they were tired of being categorized in a role of “victim” and were wanting to show the world what good stuff Army wives are made of! It was impressive. . . . a meeting I don’t think I will ever forget.

Since that day we have studied what it means to “thrive” during deployment. There are going to be good days and bad days, but generally speaking we have noticed five characteristics of a person who is thriving during deployment:

A person who is thriving is a person who is growing. I learned in freshman Biology that one of the characteristics of life is growth. That is true at the cellular level, and true at the heart-level. It’s very possible to just survive one day after another during a deployment—but that wouldn’t be “thriving.” Looking for opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, maybe even travel to new places all characterize someone who is growing.

A person who is thriving is a person who is in “community.” Isolation is a killer! Whether you choose to join a Family Readiness Group, a Bible study, a neighborhood support group, or to get plugged into a good church—do it! We need each other, especially during deployments!

A person who is thriving is one who has faith. We are spiritual beings, and we serve a God who wants us to get to know Him. Learning of His goodness, His holiness, His righteousness, His provision, and His protection (for starters) will cause us to grow in faith.

A person who is thriving understands the sovereignty of God. Things don’t happen by accident—God has a plan. Knowing that He loves us and has a plan for our life will cause us to look at deployments as an opportunity to thrive.

A person who is thriving is one who understands commitment. To a person of integrity, making a vow of commitment means keeping a vow of commitment. It is in that atmosphere of trust that someone can thrive.

And committing your life to Jesus Christ is the greatest opportunity one can take in order to thrive! It is in trusting Him to forgive your sins and to make of your life something beautiful that true fulfillment takes place.

“Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” — Psalm 37:5-6

Don’t just survive—thrive, in Christ!

Questions to share:

1. Do you want to just “mark time” until you’re together again after the deployment, or do you want to make this time apart count for something productive?

2. Have you ever known someone who used their time of deployment as a time to change for the better?