A Soldier for the King

Being a soldier of Christ is not for the faint of heart. My camouflage uniform and combat boots (figuratively speaking) are worn out. Lord, can I please be a soldier of chocolate or sleep today?

I am at my desk while trying to fight off all the useless questions we like to ask God in times of concern, like “Why?” and “How long?” Then, I stop with the questions. I muscle up my faith and determine to simply have confidence in Him — trusting that He can do what I cannot. I’ll stop questioning….for now.

Then, I ask ME the questions. “Do I trust that God is in control? Am I confident that He has a good plan for me?

I write this blog today with me AND you in mind. Maybe you are in the furnace today with me….but me isn’t the ONE who matters. Like with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, it is our Lord Who is with us and Who understands the “heat”.

I’d like to think I have a firm trust in the Lord. I’d like to say that my confidence is not in myself but all in Him. But then…things around me are quaking and I wonder as I wander in my concern and worry!

Have you ever looked at the path the Lord called you to walk down and thought: “Good grief, Jesus, can I please get a new path?”

It isn’t easy to have childlike faith during the battle. Staying confident during the storms of life can feel impossible. But then, I rally myself and realize that unless I physically move, I will remain stuck in the muck. I decide to get up, take a walk, praying each step of the way.

I plead for doubt and self-reliance to be removed. Lord, I really do want to have a firm trust in You no matter the outcome. Lord, I purpose to love You in the furnace as much as I do chillin’ on my recliner!

God chooses from an eternal perspective. I decide to choose His perspective. It is a leap worth taking. I can accept that He has the bigger picture. Not me. And if He does not give me what I ask for, it must be for my good.

We are still celebrating Jesus’ resurrection as He shows up in many places before His ascension. Today I am remembering Simon of Cyrene who was the man summoned by the Romans to help carry Jesus’ cross.

Simon carried the load for Jesus. I sensed Jesus telling me to go and help carry the load of others. Instead of my puny whining about this and that, suddenly I look at a gift. A walk that began in anxiety and doubt is now completed in confidence.

Make no mistake. This is saying, “I love You so much that I am willing to say “yes” to whatever You choose because You choose from an eternal perspective, and You always choose what is good.”

This is how we become like children. This is how we remain confident when the storms of life rock our boat. This is how, compelled by love, we get off the sidelines and act, positioning ourselves under the cross and walking the path of obedience with Jesus leading the way.

I am “soldiering” up today. Not because of my strength, but because of He Who promised that I could do all things through Christ Who gives me strength.

May we pick up our crosses and even pick up someone else’s cross to help them. We can do this. That is turning my whiny self into a strong and determined soldier to finish strong! Here I am, Lord. I surrender to your will and your ways! Go ahead! Send me!