Footsoldier

Today, on my walk, I was contemplating my place in God's kingdom. What part do I play?  Am I a lone wolf, or am I part of a team?

Many times, I feel that I'm out there on my own, with little support.  I make my own decisions, without consulting anyone. I get overwhelmed by all the pain and suffering in the world, all the sin, self-service, inequities, and injustice.

I've never been in the military, but I understand that war is not waged by one soldier.  Each soldier is part of a platoon, and is under the direction of their commander. They may not understand the reasons behind the commands given to them, but they follow them.

I am part of God's army, a foot soldier.  It's not all about me, my comfort, or even my understanding of why life is the way that it is.  It really is about being used by God to achieve His purpose.  Yes, He loves me individually and I have a personal relationship with Him.  But, this world was not created just for me.  God created a world and a people with whom to have a personal relationship.  To reach this world, He has called an army of foot soldiers to achieve His purpose.

Praise God - I am part of His army!  I don't have to create the plan, or even completely understand it.  I just have to be willing to be used for His purpose.

Joel 2:11a "The Lord thunders at the head of His army; His forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys His command."

Tickling of the ears

2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."

Is this not a description of our world today?  Truth is relative.  Each wants to live according to their own desires. We want someone else to take care of our needs (aka government) while we live how we choose (independence).  We give our allegiance to an earthly king (aka president), forgetting our Heavenly Father who wants to have a one-on-one relationship with us and is our only true King.

Where is the church?  How have we become so irrelevant that people shun the thought of even walking through our doors?

Where are God's people?  Have we been so beat down that we are afraid to voice God's truth in the marketplace, in our sphere of influence?

God is calling us to rise up, to become relevant, to be the Jeremiahs, Timothys, Pauls, Isaiahs, prophets of our days.  We cannot remain silent.  Our silence is sentencing people to eternal fire and damnation.  God desires that ALL come to a saving knowledge of Him.

Will you do your part?  Will you allow Him to speak through you?

Lord, give us ears to hear Your voice.  Keep us in Your Word to learn Your truths.  Give us opportunities to share Your love and free gift of salvation with a lost and dying world.  Amen.