Soldiers at War

I fell this week and broke a bone in my knee.  I knew immediately I hurt something but also prayed immediately that God would spare me a broken bone.  He didn’t. So, I’ve spent the week learning to adjust to pain, an immobilizer, crutches, the inability “to do” (on many levels), having no energy and not being able to concentrate.  Wow!  Who knew one broken bone could cause such a ruckus in one’s life. 

Thankfully, because I know the God of the Word, I can rest in the truth that He allowed this to happen and since I know all of His dealings with me are good, I can trust He will purpose this event for my good and His glory.  God’s Word also tells me why trials come, what they produce and how I am to respond (James 1).  Isn’t that awesome?  Because I know these truths, I no longer have to walk around acting as though some strange thing is happening to me as a result of breaking a bone (1 Peter 4:12).

This broken bone hasn't been brought into my life to slow me down or stop me. No!  It’s to test my faith which produces endurance.  I need to learn to run with endurance and how to fight the good fight of faith.  Yes, I need to take care and give my body time to heal.  But, slow down? Are you kidding me?  This week’s news included the fact that without parental consent, 15-year-old girls can purchase and take the “morning after” pill and

the Air Force announced that leaders of all levels (including chaplains) may not "promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion." The penalty is court-martial.

  Slow down?

For far too many years I pursued the things of the world rather than the things of God. Fight?  Hardly.  Because I didn't fight, I'm part of the reason truth has literally stumbled in the streets. Much ground has been lost. So, today as I sit here with a broken bone, I also remind myself I am in God’s boot camp because I need to learn endurance.

Here’s how todaysmilitary.com describes boot camp basic training and combat training.  I think this relates to being in God's army.It says:

"Basic training prepares recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental, and emotional. It gives people the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be asked of them for the duration of their tour."

Yep, this will preach! This is exactly how God intends to use the various troubles and trials that come my way! It goes on to say:

"combat training is

a journey of self-discovery...discovering inner strength and learning valuable skills that will help them succeed as soldiers in the army and in life."

Preach it some more! God has certainly used the troubles and trials in my life to help me to discover HIS strength as well as teach me valuable skills that ARE helping me to succeed as a soldier in His army. Oh, how I need to remember that life here is not about me, my comfort, my anything. It's about Him and advancing HIS kingdom. No longer do I want to play the role of the harlot princess pursuing the "good life" and the riches of this world or who whines and complains and wishes she were anywhere other than where God has her. That "me" didn't even know she'd been recruited into God's army - let alone boot camp. I'm embarrassed that I can say I totally get where Private Benjamin is coming from in the below scene from"Private Benjamin." No more...

I might have a stint in a leg immobilizer but I’m still mobilizing forward! How about you (whoever is reading this)? Are you in or are you out?