2 Timothy 2:3-4
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
It’s month 10. I’m laying in bed with amazing air conditioning not wanting to leave this room. Being tired and worn out is a common theme with my teammates. We are just exhausted.
My white flag has been dying to fly. Alright I’m done. I’m down for the count. Just drag me to the sidelines because I’m way too lazy to walk there.
I have been gone 10 months! I deserve to be lazy. I deserve to lay in this glorious air conditioning.
But…10 months isn’t what I signed up for. I didn’t sign up to finish “most” of the trip. I signed up to finish all 11 months. No matter how many times I have told myself that I couldn’t seem to fight any harder to stay focused.
I was asking my friend to pray for me because of how worn out I was. She then proceeded to remind me that my name is a Greek name meaning “Warrior” or “Soldier”. I believe that wasn’t an accident. My name has meaning for me and who I am. I was not born lazy. I was born to be a fighter and a competitor. So what am I doing here laying in bed? This isn’t me.
2 Timothy says “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” Soldiers aren’t lazy. They have to be aware and on guard at all times. They are ready for battle. Standing undaunted at the sight of the enemy. They follow orders from their commanding officers. A Christian soldiers seeks to please Jesus. The ultimate commanding officer.
I enlisted in an 11 month trip to fight the war of this world. A war that has been raging since Adam and Eve. So in all reality a war I enlisted in since I became a Christian. A war that will never end until Jesus returns. We as Christians get worn out because we are human. But Isaiah tells us ” Those who take strength in The Lord will mount up on wings like eagles! They will walk and not grow weary. They run and not grow faint.”
Lord,
Thank you for standing by my side through this war. As my commanding officer you are gentle and kind. You never give me more than I can bear because I can bear all things with you. I can stand when others fall. I can fight through any battle because you are my protector. My shield. Refuel me lord. You are the only one who can give these dry bones strength to endure and fight.
Amen.
