Ripples Ministry

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV

To hear some evangelists and preachers today, one might believe that becoming a Christian was like going on vacation to the Riviera where every need is met, every whim indulged. However, this could not be farther from the reality of biblical teaching. For God tells us we are in a war – a war for our very souls and the souls of those we love.

Imagine for a moment…

Bobby sits hunkered in a small ditch in the middle of a wet field. His belly rumbles from hunger and his fingers ache from the cold. He can’t remember the last hot meal or warm shower, or quiet rest that lasted for more than thirty minutes. He longs to stand and stretch out his legs, but that would mean certain death. And another bullet whizzing past overhead reminds him of that truth. He doesn’t know why he is there, only that his commander has told him that he must hold his position at all costs – even to the point of his death.

News came yesterday that the battle is being won and that victory is within reach. That bolsters his spirits a little and helps him to endure. But as the bombs explode around him and the days wear into nights it certainly doesn’t feel like victory is close.

Occasionally he raises and fires his weapon. Bobby isn’t sure if he hits anything or not. It is a soldier’s duty. He perseveres and waits – waits for the news that victory has been won and he can finally go home. Home has never pulled so hard or seemed so far away.

Now on the other hand…

Roger is sipping another latte and waiting for the afternoon paper. When it arrives, he reads about the battle raging at the front. “Those poor slobs” he laments. For Roger knows what they are going through. He is a soldier.

He went AWOL (absent without leave) when things got tough. He decided that he would sneak away from his unit and then return when things cooled down. No one would be any the wiser. After all, it was better for him to go home in one piece right? They had plenty of good men fighting and they would be just fine without him. He was only a messenger, not a fighter anyway, what difference could it possibly make for him to wait until the battle was over?

Roger couldn’t wait to get to that hot shower and comfortable bed waiting for him in the safety he had found. Life was not so bad.

Only…

Bobby never got the orders to pull back. They were short on messengers and other critical areas needed to be addressed first. So the message to withdraw never came. Bobby soldiered on until later that night his position was overrun as the enemy made a last grasp to fend off defeat. They would lose of course. Victory now was certain. But Bobby didn’t know that for lack of a messenger. He was brave til the end.

So…

I ask you. Are you comfortable in your Christianity? You might want to check your position. If everything is going along swimmingly, perhaps, just perhaps, it is because you are AWOL. You figure that there are plenty of good Christians sharing the Good News. You don’t want to rock the boat at work or you don’t want to be known as a “Jesus Freak”. Whatever the reason, you are not fighting in the battle.

Do not be mislead. Christianity is under attack in this country as it has never been before. The enemy doesn’t waste bullets on those who do not threaten. If you have not suffered because of your faith at all, if you have not sacrificed anything – better check your position. Have you withdrawn?

Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6:10-13 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 

Maybe you feel as though you are under attack. You have committed yourself to the Lord and His work and yet your world seems to be crumbling around your. Fear not my brother-in-arms, for that simply means that you are in the enemies’ radar. Gather together with other brothers and sisters in the fight and be encouraged. For the battle is already won! We are “more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.”

It is time for Christians to rise up in fullness of faith and take a stand for God. If you are not doing that, then you are AWOL. Ask Him for the strength to stand in a genuine, uncompromising faith. Put on His full armor daily for we are in a battle for souls and many are dying.

Perhaps you are reading this today and realize you never enlisted on the winning side. You have been fighting against God your entire life. The time has come to surrender to a loving God that only wants the best for you. We know He wins. What are you waiting for?

May you be richly blessed in the good fight. And may God have many honors for you when you see Him in heaven. Until then, fight on! Never give up! Arise prayer warriors arise!

Email me if I can pray for you.

Blessings upon blessings

Tim