Survivor: A Bible Study Inspired by Zach Williams’ Song
Zach Williams’ song “Survivor” tells a powerful story of redemption and transformation. His personal journey from addiction and brokenness mirrors the biblical theme of God’s ability to rescue and restore. This study will explore how Scripture reveals the same message: through God’s power, we can overcome life’s greatest challenges and become survivors.
God’s Rescue
The chorus of “Survivor” sings: “You’re my God / You’re my fighter / You make me a survivor.” Psalm 40:2 (NIV) echoes this truth: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit… He set my feet on a rock.” Like Williams, who found redemption after a life of destructive choices, the psalmist experienced God’s rescue. When we feel trapped, God pulls us out and sets us on solid ground.
We see this in the Israelites’ story. In Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV), Moses tells the people, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” God delivered them from slavery, and in the same way, He fights for us today, rescuing us from our own struggles.
New Creation in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This is the core of “Survivor”: God doesn’t just pull us out of our problems, He transforms us. We become something entirely new. Williams experienced this transformation firsthand—he didn’t just survive addiction; he was made new in Christ, just like the Apostle Paul after his dramatic conversion (Acts 9:1-19, NIV).
For believers, this transformation means leaving behind our old identities. Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV) assures us, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” In Christ, we are not defined by our past. We are survivors of sin and darkness, living in the light of God’s kingdom.
Victory in Trials
James 1:2-4 (NIV) tells us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials,” because trials produce perseverance. Survival isn’t just about getting through a tough situation—it’s about becoming stronger. Like gold refined by fire, we are strengthened through challenges.
Williams’ life, like many of ours, was filled with trials. But rather than being defeated, he allowed God to use those hardships for his growth. Now, his music testifies to the fact that God can turn any situation around, no matter how hopeless it seems.
The Bible teaches us that God uses our struggles to refine us. Romans 8:28 (NIV) reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Our trials are not meaningless—they shape us into survivors who rely more deeply on God.
Jesus: The Ultimate Survivor
The Bible is full of survivors, but the greatest is Jesus Christ. He faced death and overcame it, not just for Himself, but for all of humanity. Romans 6:9-10 (NIV) declares, “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again.” Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate act of survival—He conquered death itself.
Because of His victory, we too can survive whatever comes our way. His resurrection assures us that even the darkest moments can be transformed into new life. As Romans 8:37 (NIV) says, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Jesus’ victory is our victory.
A God Shot: Choosing to Listen to the Voice of Truth
The message of “Survivor” challenges us to make a choice: Will we listen to the voices of doubt, or will we listen to God’s voice? Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) promises, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” When we listen to God’s voice, we are led into life, hope, and survival.
Oswald Chambers once said, “When you fear God, you fear nothing else.” Fearing God—revering Him—gives us the strength to face anything. It is His voice that calls us to rise above fear and trust Him, even when the odds seem stacked against us.
Prescription for Living as a Survivor
- Remember God’s Power: Psalm 34:17 (NIV) assures us that God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles. Trust that God is your rescuer.
- Trust in God’s Plan: Like Joseph, who said in Genesis 50:20 (NIV), “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good,” believe that God can use every trial for His purpose.
- Embrace Your New Identity: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) reminds us we are new creations in Christ. Live as the new person God has made you.
- Persevere Through Trials: James 1:12 (NIV) tells us that those who persevere will receive the crown of life. Keep going, knowing that God is with you in the fight.
Word count: 750
Reading time: approximately 4 minutes