Rumor has it that Mark Burnett, producer of Survivor, plans to enlist 12 men who will be dropped in an unidentified suburb with a van, six kids (each of whom play two sports and take either a musical instrument or dance class) and no access to fast food.

These dozen competitors must keep the house clean, correct all homework (receiving at least a "C+" on all papers), complete one science project, cook (OK, they can bring one cookbook), do laundry, care for a dog and a cat, grocery shop, buy birthday presents for kids' friends, etc. Oh, and they also have access to television only when the kids are asleep and all chores are done, and none of the TV's have remote controls.

The reward and immunity challenges will consist of such things as attending a PTA meeting and accurately reporting the results; cleaning up after a sick child at 3:00 in the morning; getting kids to church — bonus points for keeping them quiet; making an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and getting a 4-year-old to eat a serving of peas.

The kids vote them off.

The winner gets to go back to his job.

There is nothing you can do, but lean on God.

We all have to learn to survive. Survival that has little to do with living on a desert island or in the Outback of Australia, but much to do with just "getting by" from day to day. Perhaps you've learned to "survive" after being diagnosed with a deadly disease. Perhaps you've learned to "survive" while raising several children alone after the death or desertion of a mate. Perhaps you've learned to "survive" the last few days of a month as you juggled expenses to make sure that there was enough money to cover meals before the next payday.

If you're in "survival mode," it's difficult for you to plan years down the road. It's all you can do to get through the day. And, as much as you might pray for it, you may find that there is no such thing as "immunity" from life's challenges. The hardships don't disappear. And you learn that there is nothing you can do, but lean on God.

That is exactly what he wants you to learn. Listen to the apostle Paul as he shares with us his struggle with a challenge he had:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone, out on the risky waters of faith.

Alan Smith ministers with the Church of Christ in White House, Tennessee and publishes the email devotional "Thought for the Day."

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