The battle is calling you
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You therefore must endurehardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
—2 Timothy 2:3-4Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
—Ephesians 6:13For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
—James 1:23-24
Most of us prefer to sit on the sidelines rather than get in the game. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, what is going on around us is not a game at all; it is a war, and who wants to get involved in that? I think our subconscious gravitation toward the sideline explains why spectator sports are so popular. Living vicariously through others is both entertaining and safe.
Secondly, putting on the whole armor of God every day is a distraction from the entertainments of this world. It takes time to take up salvation, faith, righteousness, truth, and the Word of God. Wearing the armor makes us look weird to our neighbors. Being a good soldier requires a level of disentanglement with the affairs of this life that is uncomfortable and sacrificial.
Of course, sitting on the sidelines—whether that is in a pew, stadium seat, or comfortable chair—means we are hearers of the word and not doers. Sadly, we have forgotten the kind of men and women we are. So, let me be (perhaps) the first to tell you: You are a soldier, a warrior, a mighty man or woman of God! The only place for you right now, in the storms and chaos, is on the battlefield.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
—Ephesians 6:10
God carefully orchestrates time and space for His purposes. You and I are alive right now to join in the action, to participate in God's will unfolding in the world.
Remember God has grace for everything He desires and requires of us. The Father is working in us to will and to do to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), Jesus has promised to make us His followers (Mark 1:17), and the Holy Spirit is our helper, teacher, and transformer (John 14:16, 26, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Yes, there will be sacrifice, tribulation, and even persecution; these are promised to all who follow Jesus. But we can avoid wasting the pain by simply letting the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have their way with us.
Be encouraged! That light at the end of the tunnel is the glory of God and His kingdom on earth!
 | Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More » |
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