Doesn’t matter if I die
20… regardless of whether I live or die, said Paulus. A simple sentence, but saying so much. It takes my breath away and a few questions keeps running through my head over and over again: Am I prepared to do the same? Am I prepared to keep on making a difference in people’s lives even if I have to give up my life, even if they throw me in jail, even if they hit and kick me? Am I prepared to sacrifice everything for bad people?
My answers to those questions do not sound good – they are not answers I can be proud of! What do your answers sound like?
“I am a Soldier”
I am a soldier in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Scripture is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience,
tried by adversity and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.
If my God needs me, I am there. I am a soldier.
I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted,
primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier.
No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King,
obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give
me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or
catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad
enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to
turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing,
I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my need.
I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.
The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from His battlefield,
He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him.
I am a soldier in the army, and I’m marching claiming victory.
I will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching heaven-bound.
Here I Stand! Will you stand with me?
(Anonymous)
Reflection
Are you prepared to sacrifice everything?
Are you prepared to die for others?
Are you a soldier of God?
Prayer
Father, I don’t know if I could give up everything … Please teach me how to do it, bit by bit. Amen