When we become Christians, we become sons and daughters, and we become saints, but we also become soldiers. We are automatically listed into God's army. For some of us the thought of ourselves as soldiers is just plain funny. If you're anything like me, maybe you're just a little too much on the prissy side to think of yourself as a soldier. However, I didn't know how strong I was until I had my first child. And I'm not talking just about the pain of childbirth. As mothers we have all been put on the front lines of a spiritual battle. God's Word says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) And as soldiers we are supposed to defend ourselves and our families against evil, but also capture enemy territory.
However, its not just our loved ones we are here to reach, protect, and serve. But we are fighting over the destiny of human beings who matter to God! " For God doesn't want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9) So I'm going to challenge you today to think about what kind of soldier you are.
There are some people who I will call Sunday soldiers. They drag themselves out of bed, put on their uniforms (their Sunday best), and do their weekly duty for God. They can't be counted on for more than that. These people are content to sit back and leave the real battles to others. They believe in the fight for Christ but don't want to get dirty.
Then there are those soldiers who go AWOL. When it starts to get hard, they tuck their tails between their legs and run. The battle continues to rage but they sit back in safe territory and avoid any conflicts or confrontations. When serving God starts to challenge them, change them, or cost them something, they're no where to be found. Paul said to Timothy, "Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:3) How would you feel if in a military battle your comrade leaves you to face the enemy alone? But that's exactly what many do when they leave a church or a ministry behind. Now many times a soldier becomes AWOL due to hurts that are caused by other soldiers. We must remember Jesus willingly bled and died on a cross to gain victory over Satan, and He expects us to pay a price for the victories that we gain as well. Sometimes the price we pay are hurts we incur on the battlefield. But Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28)
Now this next soldier is the one I want to be. The soldier who says to God just as Isaiah did, "Here I am, send me." (Isaiah 6:8) They stand in attention with their hands at their brow and say "Yes sir"! They acknowledge their submission to the Commander in Chief of their soul, Jesus Christ. They are ready for battle at any moment. I want to surround myself with these types of soldiers. I don't want to be a single person fighting the good fight alone, but together with an army of obedient Christian believers. When we are these kind of soldiers, God will use us, bless us, and do miracles in our lives.
Let me encourage you today on how you can be a "Yes, Lord" soldier. When you are going about your daily business and the Lord gives you clear direction to smile, pray, show love, or reach out to a specific person, do it!! When God asks you to get involved at a church, in a ministry, or in another cause, do it!! It's in those moments of truth, that the battles are won and lost.
Remember we are all soldiers for Christ and every Easter reminds us, we are victorious!
Blessings,
Lisa
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