Veterans In God’s Army

Veteran’s Day. This is a week of reflection as we honor our military members who serve so faithfully in the USA. I am grateful for the twenty years my husband served and wish he had stayed even longer. We frequently pray for the patriotism and moral values of our country, which seem to be declining lately.

The military steadfastly works in a team atmosphere. A loyal soldier cares not what color a person’s skin is. All dedicated soldiers support each other and truly have each other’s back. When adversity arises, each must focus on the challenge in front of them. In spite of the trials they face, they press forward in battle, even to a possible death. What courage that must take!

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” 

(John 15:13)

What unimaginable fortitude it takes to trudge forward in spite of one’s fears. How does someone do it? Perhaps by focusing on something even more important than pain.

In 1970, a made-for-TV movie entitled Tribes aired. The film centers around a new military recruit Adrian, (Jan-Michael Vincent) drafted out of his carefree hippie lifestyle, and the drill instructor whose job it was to make him into a fine soldier who obeys orders. Although I don’t remember much about the film, I still remember a remarkable scene. Gunnery Sergeant Drake, played by Darrin McGavin, forces Adrian to hold two full buckets of water on each side, shoulder-high. It was meant as excruciating punishment for some infraction the young man had committed.

Now there were several possible outcomes here:

The Gunnery Sergeant will totally break the recruit’s spirit. Adrian will eventually discover what psychologist Martin Seligman coined, “learned helplessness.” That’s a belief that there is no way out of a predicament as one gradually accepts his fate. He’s broken, submissive.

Adrian will rebel, experiencing increasing anger regarding his circumstances. Becoming bitter, he’ll lash out at life’s unfairness toward him. A bitter person never forgets and focuses on his past.

Or he’ll use his inner resolve to overcome and conquer this challenge. He’ll become the victor.

This third option, in fact, is what Adrian did.  He focused all his attention and mental powers on a special afternoon spent in the company of a lovely young woman. In this state, he was able to maintain holding the buckets aloft indefinitely, much to the consternation of Gunnery Sergeant Drake.

Each scenario represents how we make personal decisions as we approach life’s trials. In the face of adversity, what do we do?  How does our personality change? Do trials strengthen us or do we become embittered? Do we hunker down or throw in the towel, stating, “Why bother?”

When a military commander faces challenges during a battle. He quickly assesses all options and makes a decision based on the best possible outcome.

How do you react when trials come your way? Do you lie down and simply accept them or do you rise up and face the giants in your life? No excuses, for God, will provide a way out:

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) NASB

What if Jesus disobeyed God’s Will (his Commander) in Gethsemane to avoid unfathomable pain? Have you ever wondered what went through Christ’s mind as He was scourged and beaten beyond recognition as a scapegoat for our sins? Did Jesus ever question why he was being sacrificed for that serial rapist the judge let go, only to do it again or worse?

As they drove nails through his wrists, did our Lord question why He was sacrificing His life for someone who tortured and murdered innocent children? Or the one who stole funds from a charity for personal use? Sin is sin.

Billions reject God and place idols in His place. Millions have no time for a true LORD in their lives. The young say, “I have plenty of time later for religion.” Meanwhile, they do have time for sports, television, wealth, careers, fame, among others. How many of your grandchildren attend soccer or baseball on Sunday mornings instead of church? (But it’s the only time they can play!) Then we wonder why there are so many messed-up young people! Priorities.

Aren’t you grateful that Christ didn’t give in to the discouragement he must have felt, because billions reject Him? Even today, many will smirk, declaring, “What fun is it to be a do-gooder in this culture? I’m no patsy.”

Do you ever feel the same? Thought, “What has God ever done for me? What good is He? Where was God when my child died? He could have saved her. I hate Him!”

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

We Are In A Daily Battle:

Satan wants to destroy our earthly fortress, family unit, and young people. Use your inner focus to resolve to conquer temptation!

I believe Jesus remained on the cross by focusing on the countless faces for whom he became a sacrificial offering. He concentrated all his attention and mental powers on that future victorious day when Ellie, Bill, Andy, Rick, Mark, Joe, or whoever accepted and trusted Jesus as their personal Savior. He remained focused, knowing it was worth the sacrifice. He loved us that much!

There are demonic adversaries who want to destroy our body’s temple with temptations of drugs, alcohol, smoking, and yes, even food. Would you give up gluttony for Christ? Is something as minuscule as reducing unhealthy foods worth His sacrifice? Silly question? Consider this: millions of Christians sell their testimony as Essau did for a mess of material pottage here on earth.

Beware of subtle enemies who hope to sideline you from healthy goals. Sometimes advertisers only search for that fast dollar. Don’t believe everything you hear. Many false diet gurus lure people like sheep toward any quick weight loss fad that comes along. Don’t fall for it! Pray for the wisdom to recognize false diet teachings. Is it physiologically sound? Does it profess what the Bible claims? Weigh all against God’s physiological Truth.

When life becomes hard, we continually face individual battles, whether it’s health concerns, addiction, or financial problems. Do we remain focused on what’s really important in life: Eternity?  By praying for the power to remain defiant against trials and temptations, Christ’s strength will always assist you for He. Has. Conquered. All!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41: 10)

Yes, Christ died for all sinners, even those who simply lied, stole pencils, or gave in to gluttony. Every one of us is guilty of sin before the Lord. Now the question is, are we worth His incredible sacrifice? You can strive to honor Him by becoming a Soldier in God’s Army, remembering daily what our Commander did for us.

“He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”  (Titus 2:14)

Jesus did not take the easy way out although He had the power to. He went to the cross alone, believing you were worth the cost of his excruciating sacrifice. Now YOU must believe you are worth the cost Jesus paid to redeem you. Remembering his victorious focus will assist in your success. Let your focal point rest on becoming a New Creation for Christ! (Philippians 2:5)

After attending Graham Jr. College in Boston and Moody Bible College, Ellie Marrandette earned her Bachelor of Ministry (BMIN) from Trinity Theological Seminary. Fascinated by psychology and physiology, God directed Ellie toward a rewarding healthcare career. She became a licensed, certified nutritional counselor, working with doctors, nutritional centers, and independently as the founder of New Creations Ministries, a faith-based solution in overcoming health challenges. In recent years, God has focused Ellie’s path toward writing. She is the author of four Christian novels, a novella, and a non-fiction book on healthy living entitled, Life’s Too Short to Eat Bad Cheese (Nutritional and Life Lessons God Teaches Us.) Her most recent book, God’s Furry Messengers was just published in July, 2023. All can be found Here. Her current endeavor is to complete a children’s devotional this year. For more about Ellie Marrandette visit her New Creations website.  

Feature Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash