“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24)
Listen up!
I know it’s tough out there, but you’re going to get through this because you’re a soldier and soldiers don’t give up (2 Timothy 2:3). The cross is heavy, friend, but that didn’t stop our Captain, and it’s not going to stop you either because His strength is unbeatable, His will is supreme, and He will never, ever let you down (Hebrews 2:10; Mark 8:34; John 12:27; Psalm 62:11; Isaiah 46:10-11; Hebrew 13:5-6).
You’re not alone in this. A yoke implies two (Matthew 11:28-30). He is not out ahead of you waiting while you catch up. He is not behind you cracking the whip like a slave driver. He is beside you. Like a Brother, he’s got your back; He’s sharing your load, and He will lend you His might without measure (Hebrews 2:11; Isaiah 40:29).
I know the future makes you nervous. There are so many “what if’s.” Stay focused on that which you have power over: this moment. Stop worrying about the perceived problems of tomorrow and give diligence to the issues of today (Matthew 6:34; Philippians 4:6-7). Change is inevitable, but your faith is in He Who does not change (Hebrews 13:8).
The flaming arrows aren’t going to stop (Ephesians 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8). In fact, the closer you get to the goal, the more intense the onslaught will become. But remember that, with Him, there is no temptation that cannot be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is no mountain that cannot be removed (Matthew 17:20). There is no foe so large that they cannot be fell (1 Samuel 17:45-47). The dragon is fierce, but he’s not going to win (Revelation 20:10).
So, get up!
Remember who you are. You are a blood-bought child of the Ancient of Days, the Great I AM, the Creator of worlds, the blessed and only Potentate, THE Lord God Almighty (Acts 20:28; 1 John 3:1-3; Daniel 7:9; Exodus 3:14; 1 Timothy 6:15). If He is for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31)? You have been called to be a partaker of the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:2-4); to proclaim the praises of He Who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). You are a member of a kingdom which serves as the pillar and ground of the truth (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Timothy 3:15).
Therefore you must stand firm! When the world tells you to move, you plant your feet upon the Solid Rock and tell it “no!” I don’t care how intense the winds become or how blinding the rain is, you stand fast (Ephesians 6:10, 13; Matthew 7:24-25)!
Shake and shine, my friend. Shake and shine (Matthew 5:13-16). Do not be overcome with evil, no matter what its form (disappointment, loss, frustration, difficulty, temptation, etc.). Overcome evil with Good (Romans 12:21; Matthew 19:17).
God speed, soldier. Make Him proud.