On this Veterans’ Day, I pledge to be a good soldier. Not in the armed forces, which I celebrate today, and each time I remember the sacrifices made by my grandfather and all the brave men and women who have served and still serve our country. To all of them, I say, “Thank you!”
However, my commission is to serve in God’s army, obeying His orders, along with you, my fellow soldiers. This is what good soldiers do, especially when in battle. And to disobey a command could have catastrophic consequences.
Recently I watched The Patriot for the first time. During a writing workshop by famed New York Times Best-selling fiction author Rachel Hauck, she referenced the American Revolutionary War movie to illustrate various storytelling points. Well, I had to see it, and when I did, I felt emotionally moved.
Now I will admit the fight scenes against the British were problematic. Line up. Shoot. Hope not to get shot while you reload. Advance and repeat.
Only God could have helped us win that war.
While those moments were hard to watch, the real tearjerkers came when two young men ran roughshod into enemy territory without orders from their master, who happened to be their father, Captain Benjamin Martin. Each instance had catastrophic consequences.
Isn’t this what happens when God gives us an order to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, and we decide we have a better plan? We end up maimed or worse.
Orders meant to protect us from the battles waged in our minds when disobeyed lead us into depression and keep us in a state of allostasis and PTSD much longer than necessary.
Rebellion is costly.
But we can be good soldiers.
Pastor Keith Moore offers a soldiering way of responding to God’s flawless word to be healed. He says, “Permission to be healed, Sir! Thank you, Sir!” He gives an additional defense when our carnal mind begins to question whether healing can be that simple, saying, “No buts. I’ve heard from God. I have my report.”
We should take any “buts” and foreboding thoughts about the orders we receive from God captive immediately.
Furthermore, we have divine permission to talk back to the enemy.
According to Mark 11:23, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
Imagine how different the world would be if Adam and Eve had been good soldiers. Well, we have the opportunity, now, to do what they did not. So let’s take it by force!
A prayer for today
Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, help us to take Your orders and practice saying what You say about us until we believe nothing contradictory. Permission to have a renewed mind, Sir. Thank you, Sir. Amen.
Further Reading: Ephesians 6:11-17; 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Great comparison, Leah! We are indeed soldiers in God’s Army! Half the battle, I believe, is “showing up!” We must be ready, willing, and able to be effective for duty! Good training is imperative as is obedience! We’re NEVER on our own though it may seem that way sometimes! We must know that all heaven backs us up as we represent The Most High God in the battle for our faith! We must also know our enemy and his tactics! One thing’s for sure–WE ALWAYS WIN!!!
You always add something rich to whatever I write and I APPRECIATE YOU and your wise words. Thank you for sharing. And, thank you for being a fellow soldier on the WINNING side!!!
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