How To Survive The Great Tribulation

I wrote this blog post to encourage the saints (and myself) of the coming Tribulation. I pray this helps you stay hopeful despite what is coming in the near future. 

Some will endure and survive until the coming of the Lord, while others will be martyred for their faith. Both groups are part of God’s plan and both are victorious in Christ.

✦ 1. Some will survive through the Tribulation

Matthew 24:13 – “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 24:22 – “If those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”

Zechariah 13:8-9 – Describes a remnant being preserved through fire.

Revelation 12:6, 14 – The woman (representing God’s people) is protected in the wilderness for a time.

👉 This shows not every believer will die in the Tribulation. Some will remain alive until Christ returns.

✦ 2. Some will be martyred

Revelation 20:4 – “I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark… They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

Revelation 6:9-11 – The martyrs under the altar cry out to God, waiting for His justice.

Revelation 13:7 – The Beast is given power to make war on the saints.

👉 This shows many will face death for refusing the mark and staying loyal to Christ.

✦ 3. What this means for us

Both survival and martyrdom are victories in the eyes of God:

Those who survive witness His deliverance.

Those who are killed witness by their blood and reign with Christ.

Paul summed it up:

Philippians 1:21 – “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

So whether you live through it or are martyred, you win in Christ. That’s why Jesus said:

Luke 21:28 – “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

 The point is not to obsess over which fate you’ll face—it’s to stay faithful no matter what. God will give us the strength we need for whichever He allows.

📜 Scripture shows that survival in the Great Tribulation isn’t about human cleverness, stockpiles, or hiding places (though practical wisdom has its place). It’s ultimately supernatural preservation for those God chooses to keep alive, and supernatural strength and faith for those called to suffer or die for Him.

🔹 4. God will supernaturally preserve some

The Bible is full of examples where God literally kept His people alive when it was impossible by human means:

Noah & his family – preserved through the flood (Genesis 7).

Israel in the wilderness – their clothes didn’t wear out, food fell from heaven (Deuteronomy 8:3-4).

Elijah – fed by ravens during famine (1 Kings 17:6).

Revelation 12:6, 14 – “The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days… she is given two wings of the great eagle to fly to the place prepared for her.”

👉The woman is us, the body of Christ. This shows God can and will sustain His people supernaturally during the darkest days.

 

🔹 5. God will give supernatural strength to endure

Even if survival means suffering, God promises His Spirit will strengthen you beyond your own ability:

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Luke 21:15 – “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Matthew 10:19-20 – “Do not be anxious how you are to speak… for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

👉 This means when persecution, hunger, fear, or even death comes, you won’t face it in your own weak strength—God Himself will fill you with His power.

🔹 6. The mindset of survival in Christ

If God wants you to live through the Tribulation, He’ll preserve you supernaturally (food, shelter, safety, even invisibility from enemies if needed).

If God calls you to die for Him, He’ll give you the courage and peace to stand strong, even to the point of martyrdom.

Both are victory. Both glorify Christ.

💡 Think about Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). God could have let them die—but instead He walked with them in the fire. That’s the picture: whether He spares you or you get beheaded, He is with you in it, and that’s how you endure.

 

There’s no denying it anymore. Scripture makes it clear—the Great Tribulation is coming, and we will go through it. Some people cling to pre-tribulation rapture theories or dismiss prophecy with preterism, but the Bible tells a different story. Jesus Himself warned His disciples, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Acceptance is the first step to freedom from fear. When we stop running from the truth and embrace what Jesus said would happen, fear begins to loosen its grip. We don’t have to live in denial. We can live in trust. 

Step 1: Accepting What’s Coming

Jesus didn’t hide the reality of what His followers would face. He said plainly:

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9)

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

For some of us, that endurance may mean supernatural preservation. For others, it may mean martyrdom. Revelation speaks of both:

Some will be given a place in the wilderness where God Himself nourishes them (Revelation 12:6).

Others will be “beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God” (Revelation 20:4).

Both groups are victorious. Both glorify Christ. Both are precious in His sight.

Step 2: Replacing Fear with Faith

Fear says: “What if I can’t endure?”

Faith says: “Christ WILL give me strength to endure.”

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

When we accept that the Tribulation is not a possibility but a certainty, we can stop being surprised by it. Instead, we begin preparing our hearts. Faith is the antidote to fear because it roots us in what is unshakable: God’s promises.

Step 3: Trusting God for Strength and Survival

How will we survive? Not by our own cleverness or strength, but by God’s supernatural provision and presence.

Just as He fed Elijah with ravens (1 Kings 17:6) and Israel with manna (Deuteronomy 8:3-4), He will provide for His people in the last days.

Just as He walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace (Daniel 3:25), He will walk with us in the fire of tribulation.

If God wills that we live, He will keep us alive. If He wills that we die for His name, He will give us courage, peace, and even joy in that moment. We need to become more spiritual minded and less carnal minded. That's how we're going to endure to the end! 

Step 4: Living With Hope Today

The key to enduring tomorrow is to cultivate faith TODAY. Here are daily practices to build a faith that outshines fear:

1. Start the day in Scripture

Read passages that anchor you in God’s promises. Suggested verses:

Psalm 91 (God’s protection)

Romans 8:31-39 (nothing separates us from His love)

Matthew 24 (Jesus’ warning and encouragement to endure)

2. Pray for courage

A simple daily prayer:

 “Lord, prepare my heart for whatever is ahead. Give me courage if I am to live, and peace if I am to die. Let my faith be stronger than fear. I trust You to carry me through the fire.”

3. Worship through fear

When fear rises, sing. Worship shifts the atmosphere. It reminds your soul that Christ has already overcome. Praise Him 🙏🏼, thank Him for everything He's already gotten you through. Focus on the miracles in your life! God is good. 

4. Live with eternal perspective

Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Either way, we win. 

This world is not the end. Death is NOT the end. It's just the beginning!