BUILT TO LAST: SURVIVING FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS. PART 16 – SURVIVAL IS NOT EITHER/OR: IT’S BOTH/AND

BUILT TO LAST: SURVIVING FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS.
PART 16 – SURVIVAL IS NOT EITHER/OR: IT’S BOTH/AND

Mark 5:21–43 (NKJV)

As Jesus went with Jairus to heal his daughter, a woman with a flow of blood for twelve years touched His garment and was healed. While He was still speaking, word came that the girl had died. But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” He went in, took the child by the hand, and said, “Little girl, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked

Welcome to Part 16 of our series, Built to Last: Surviving for the sake of Others. 

In the previous part, we explored the essence of survival—not just as personal endurance, but as an investment into the lives of others. Today, we go deeper by connecting this truth to a powerful biblical moment and the story of two men whose survival changed mine.

 

When Others’ Survival Becomes Your Salvation

I often ask myself, “What if Charles didn’t survive the training?” What if Conrad had dropped out halfway because the hardship was too much? These are not just assumed questions—they’re reality checks.

You see, Charles was more than a friend—he was a lifeline. From financial support to spiritual encouragement, his survival wasn’t for him alone. It carried me.

Conrad, too, stepped in with wisdom and guidance at a crucial time. But how would I have met him if he had quit on the battlefield of preparation?

Their survival blessed me. Their endurance became my inheritance. And that is the power of divine preservation: your life isn’t just for you.

The Parallel: The Bleeding Woman and Jairus’s Daughter

Let’s step into the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 5. Here, we meet two people whose stories unfold in divine contrast—a synagogue leader’s 12-year-old daughter and a woman with a 12-year hemorrhage. Both are unnamed. Both in need. But what strikes me most is how their timelines intersect:

12 years ago, Jairus and his wife celebrated new life.

That same year, a woman began losing hers—gradually bleeding, suffering, excluded, growing weaker and poorer.

As one child grew in joy and stature, the other woman dwindled in silence and shame.

But Jesus walks into both lives—at different moments—and proves one thing: God’s grace is not an either/or transaction.

He healed the woman first, even as Jairus anxiously waited. And by the time they reached Jairus’s house, the little girl was pronounced dead.

But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. Just believe.” Because one person’s miracle doesn’t mean the death of yours. It only means you’re next in line. Hallelujah!

The Message: Survival Multiplies

I see Charles and Conrad in this story. While I was “bleeding” in different areas of life—emotionally, financially, even spiritually—they were in their own battles. Yet, by God’s grace, they survived. And their survival became the bridge over which my own restoration walked.

If they had given up, something in me may have died.

This is what Jairus had to learn: God doesn’t pick sides. He writes stories.

REFLECTION: Whose Miracle Are You Connected To?

You are not alive just for yourself. You are connected to someone else’s story. Your endurance, your faith, your breakthrough may be the answer to someone’s silent prayer.

What if your pain is preparing you to be the person you once needed?

1. Stop competing with other people’s progress—celebrate it. You might just be next.

2. Reach out to those whose survival once lifted you—thank them.

3. Choose to survive, not just for your sake, but for the unknown lives depending on your obedience and courage.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for the people whose survival became my saving grace. Help me to see the bigger picture—that I am part of something more than my own story. Give me strength to endure, and grace to be a channel for someone else’s hope. Amen.

Next Chapter (Part 17 – Coming Soon):

“When You Become the Lifeline: How Surviving Transforms You Into a Savior for Others.” We’re not just surviving—we’re becoming the reason others make it too.

📌LET’S TALK:

1. Have you ever had to choose between two good things to survive? What happened?

2. Who in your life survived something hard and ended up blessing you?? Have you ever told them?

3. Think of a moment when someone else received a breakthrough while you were still waiting. Did you feel forgotten? What did you learn from that moment?

4. Jesus healed the bleeding woman while Jairus was still waiting. What does this teach you about divine timing and trusting God’s process?

Share your thoughts, testimonies, or questions—we grow better together.

Thank you!

Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)