The modern soldier is well trained and equipped in the art of waging war. By the time you Will, are ready to face battle, many long hours will have been spent in basic training. You will have been prepared physically and mentally to deal with the rigors of combat. As a good soldier you will know how to identify the enemy and his tactics. To battle against the enemy, you will be adept in using the tools of your trade. In combat, you will carry the most advanced military gear your country can afford. Some of this equipment is designed to take out the enemy, while other parts are designed to protect critical body areas. The Lord says, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
This battle you have been preparing for is a battle for souls. Satan is pulling many away from God, you know Will, you’ve heard the word of God “…many are called, but FEW CHOSEN.” (Matt. 20:16) Jesus makes this a little clearer in this verse, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that LEADS TO DESTRUCTION, and there are MANY who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW WHO FIND IT.” (Matt. 7:13-14) Why is it so difficult? It’s because this world has so much of a variety of wonderful things that capture our attention, that’s why John said, “Do not love (agape: God’s Love) the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is NOT OF THE FATHER but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who DOES THE WILL OF GOD abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
That’s why Paul tells Timothy, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life (That’s what John was talking about), that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier.” (2 Tim. 2:3-4) You see Will when we do the will of God something wonderful happens inside of us that cannot even BE PUT INTO WORDS, We have not seen Jesus yet, but we love Him and believe in Him and “…we rejoice with JOY UNSPEAKABLE and fullness of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)
Your personal pastor, -Bill Stockham