A young woman was called to join the government in a very special military department. It was a high-paying, demanding job that required deep attention to detail for the sake of the nation. She refused, saying, "If I have to leave everything for the nation, I would rather leave everything for God. I would rather focus on the salvation of souls than on saving lives." She chose to be a good soldier for Jesus.
Paul encourages Timothy to be a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-5). One trait of a good soldier is to endure hardness. A Christian soldier must learn to endure hardship and suffering. The apostles suffered much for the gospel.
SUFFERING ERASES WANT
Testing of our faith produces patience, which makes us want nothing of this world (James 1:2-4). We are always wanting things; it is our natural, sinful human state. Walking with Jesus, our Shepherd, removes all wants because He leads us through green pastures and fights our battles against lions, bears, and wolves - (1 Samuel 17:34-37) (John 10). We learn to endure as we wait on Him on this journey of life. We never lack, and we stay green with His peace and holiness, which prepare us for eternity with Him.
SUFFERING AND PERSECUTION ARE INEVITABLE
Everyone who desires to live a godly life in Christ will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). This comes not only from unbelievers, but also from believers who have fallen from grace or lost their vision.
SUFFERING ISN'T STRANGE
There is NOTHING STRANGE about suffering as a Christian (1 Peter 4:12-13). The apostle Peter suffered much for the kingdom of God, and we too are called to suffer for Christ. A believer isn't surprised when suffering comes, because he knows Jesus is with him, no matter what.
SUFFERING ENDS SINFUL LIVING
How? We take on the attitude Jesus had when He lived through suffering on earth. He did not sin. We find ourselves not sinning but serving, with our minds set on God's desires, not our own.
An enlisted soldier knows what it means to serve. He leaves his father, mother, wife, children, and land to serve his nation. He serves to the end, never losing hope. A Christian soldier has the greatest purpose, one founded on the sure promises of God, not on probability or circumstance.
Dear soldier in Christ, your fight is a good fight. It is an eternal fight that will bear fruit in due season. Trust in Jesus during your suffering and receive the riches of His grace to carry you on to victory.
Maranatha. Praise God. Amen.
