Overcoming Survival Instinct to Embrace the Will of God in Your Life

When God calls you to follow His plan, your natural survival instinct often stands in the way. This instinct, deeply rooted in our flesh, pushes us to protect ourselves, avoid discomfort, and cling to what feels safe. Yet, walking in God’s will requires a different mindset—one that embraces suffering in the flesh as a path to spiritual growth and obedience. The Apostle Peter captures this truth in 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NKJV):

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”

This passage challenges believers to adopt Christ’s mindset, understanding that suffering is not just physical pain but the discomfort that comes from surrendering self-reliance and the survival instinct. This post explores how survival instinct can keep you from God’s will and how to overcome it to fully embrace His plan.

A narrow path through a forest representing the journey of faith and surrender

Understanding Survival Instinct and Its Conflict with God’s Will

Survival instinct is the natural drive to protect ourselves from harm, secure our needs, and avoid danger. It is a powerful force that governs many of our decisions, often without conscious thought. This instinct is not inherently wrong—it has kept humanity alive. However, when it comes to spiritual obedience, survival instinct can become a barrier.

Jesus taught that those who focus on preserving their own lives cannot serve God fully (Matthew 6:24-33). This means that the instinct to survive, to control outcomes, or to avoid discomfort can prevent us from stepping into God’s plan, which often requires trust, sacrifice, and uncertainty.

The phrase “lust of men” in 1 Peter 4:2 refers to more than just sexual immorality. It includes the broader human desire to satisfy the flesh’s cravings, including the survival instinct. This instinct tempts us to prioritize our comfort and security over obedience to God.

The Suffering of the Flesh as Discomfort from Obedience

The suffering mentioned in 1 Peter 4:1 is not about sickness or poverty, It is the discomfort that arises when we obey God and let go of self-reliance. This suffering is a form of spiritual training. Hebrews 5:8 says Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered. This shows that suffering is part of the process that leads to spiritual maturity.

For example, when God called me and my wife Krystle to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend Rhema Bible College, we faced uncertainty. We left a secure ministry position, lost financial support, and had no clear plan for housing or income. Our survival instinct screamed to stay where it was safe. Yet, stepping out in obedience taught us to depend fully on God.

This kind of suffering is about trusting God’s provision and timing, even when circumstances seem risky or uncomfortable.

How Survival Instinct Blocks God’s Will

Survival instinct can manifest in many ways that block God’s will:

• Fear of the unknown: Avoiding new paths because they seem risky.

• Clinging to comfort: Staying in familiar situations rather than stepping into God’s calling.

• Self-reliance: Trusting in personal strength or resources instead of God’s provision.

• Control: Trying to manage outcomes instead of surrendering to God’s plan.

  
  

These behaviors keep us from fully surrendering to God’s will. They create a barrier between us and the spiritual growth God desires.

Practical Steps to Overcome Survival Instinct

Overcoming survival instinct requires intentional action and spiritual discipline. Here are practical steps to help you embrace God’s will:

1. Adopt the Mindset of Christ

Arm yourself with the same mind as Christ, who suffered in the flesh but remained obedient. Reflect on His example and remind yourself that suffering for God’s will leads to freedom from sin.

2. Trust God’s Provision

Remember Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 about God providing for the birds and flowers. Trust that God will provide for your needs as you obey Him, even if the path seems uncertain.

3. Embrace Discomfort as Growth

Recognize that discomfort is part of spiritual growth. When you feel uneasy about a decision, see it as a sign that God is stretching your faith.

4. Pray for Strength and Guidance

Ask God to help you overcome fear and self-reliance. Prayer aligns your heart with God’s will and strengthens your resolve.

5. Take Small Steps of Faith

You don’t have to leap blindly. Take small steps that require trust in God, building your faith gradually.

Real-Life Example: Moving Beyond Comfort Zones

When Krystle and I moved to Tulsa, we had no guarantees. Our survival instinct wanted to stay in a secure ministry, but God’s call was clear. We faced financial uncertainty and social isolation. Yet, by trusting God and stepping out in faith, we experienced His provision and guidance in ways we never imagined.

This experience taught us that survival instinct often tries to keep us in safe places, but God’s will leads to growth and blessing beyond what we can plan.

Living for God’s Will Instead of Survival Instinct

Choosing to live for God’s will means choosing obedience over comfort, faith over fear, and dependence on God over self-reliance. It means understanding that suffering in the flesh is not punishment but a pathway to freedom from sin and deeper intimacy with God.

When you surrender your survival instinct, you open yourself to God’s greater plan, which often includes challenges but also abundant life.

Takeaway: Your survival instinct is natural but can keep you from God’s best. Embrace discomfort, trust God’s provision, and adopt Christ’s mindset to walk fully in His will. The path may be uncertain, but God’s faithfulness is sure.