Warriors for God and with God
Dear Kindred Spirits in Christ,
On this Memorial Day, I'm writing with a grateful heart - for the freedom we've always enjoyed that was purchased at the highest cost by many brave souls. I have extended family who perished in World War ll, as well as family who served and lived to tell about it, moving forward to the 60's and beyond - although some of them don't like to remember because it's too painful.
It's said that a brave man only dies once, but a coward dies a thousand deaths. Yet I know in my heart that bravery is being frightened and still taking a stand for freedom. My pastor has said that he believes all soldiers, when faced with probable or certain death, reach out to God -and that he doesn't think atheists exist in those dire, life and death moments. I hope he's right, because the next One you face, after passing, is the LORD Himself.
It's written in Psalm 144: Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle - my loving kindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge...
Christians have always been warriors. For those of us who have not served in combat or any area of the armed services, we are soldiers of a different kind - prayer warriors, or warriors who go to the areas of greatest need to serve and help in any way we can. Perhaps we fight silent battles on the home front, within ourselves, or with family and friends. For Satan seeks to destroy all that is good, and all those we love and are loved by God.
Ephesians 6:12 declares: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, we must wear our gospel armor as we face each day and all that it brings, knowing that our God goes before us and will somehow turn it to good, either here or in the world to come. We do have the victory in Christ!... and although we don't always know when death is near, we believe it is only a transition to our eternal home.
Romans 14:8: For if we live, we live to the LORD, and if we die, we die to the LORD; therefore whether we live or die, we are the LORD'S.
God bless all who gave their lives for our freedom, and may God bless each of us who fight our battles in faith.
Love Always,
Marti
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