Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Ephesians 6, 2 Timothy 2
2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV) "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
Ask people who have served in any branch of the armed services what they enjoyed most about their experience and it probably will not be boot camp. Yet it is during boot camp where some of the most crucial learning takes place in the life of a soldier. And no honest soldier would ever want to enter a battle or war without the valuable training it provides in a moment that could potentially mean life.
It is during boot camp that soldiers learn the most essential forms discipline and dedication. They learn the fundamental strategies and tactics of the military, all the while preparing themselves for what they may someday encounter in battle. While in boot camp, soldiers work increasingly hard to win the approval of their superior officers and to pass tests in hopes of being promoted to the next rank. Overall, soldiers eagerly await the day when they will use the skills they have learned to serve their country.
Similarly, along the path we call the Christian life, we encounter many trials, hardships, and inconveniences that seem to slow us down and prevent us from doing what we feel we have been called to do. At some point, it can even seem like a military boot camp. We may struggle with feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and a lack of purpose. Our time may even make us wonder if our efforts have been in vain. Deep inside, we long for the day when we will be allowed to enter true battle.
If this sounds like where you find yourself today, then Christian take heart! You see, boot camp does not last forever. In fact, graduation day will come, and when it does you will see God's faithfulness in preparing you for what lies ahead.
Like many young, anxious soldiers, we want to jump right into the battle, to head into the overseas mission field, the rural community, or inner-city ministry, but we often overlook the importance of our spiritual boot camp and the training it provides. Take advantage of the time you have right now to be grounded in the truths of God's Word, to develop your relationship with Him, and to learn all you can. And, once the battle starts, you will be glad you did! Faith Lesson: The faith of a Christian is measured by the depths of his/her trust and faith in God during life's hardest times.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Ephesians 6, 2 Timothy 2
2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV) "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
Ask people who have served in any branch of the armed services what they enjoyed most about their experience and it probably will not be boot camp. Yet it is during boot camp where some of the most crucial learning takes place in the life of a soldier. And no honest soldier would ever want to enter a battle or war without the valuable training it provides in a moment that could potentially mean life.
It is during boot camp that soldiers learn the most essential forms discipline and dedication. They learn the fundamental strategies and tactics of the military, all the while preparing themselves for what they may someday encounter in battle. While in boot camp, soldiers work increasingly hard to win the approval of their superior officers and to pass tests in hopes of being promoted to the next rank. Overall, soldiers eagerly await the day when they will use the skills they have learned to serve their country.
Similarly, along the path we call the Christian life, we encounter many trials, hardships, and inconveniences that seem to slow us down and prevent us from doing what we feel we have been called to do. At some point, it can even seem like a military boot camp. We may struggle with feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and a lack of purpose. Our time may even make us wonder if our efforts have been in vain. Deep inside, we long for the day when we will be allowed to enter true battle.
If this sounds like where you find yourself today, then Christian take heart! You see, boot camp does not last forever. In fact, graduation day will come, and when it does you will see God's faithfulness in preparing you for what lies ahead.
Like many young, anxious soldiers, we want to jump right into the battle, to head into the overseas mission field, the rural community, or inner-city ministry, but we often overlook the importance of our spiritual boot camp and the training it provides. Take advantage of the time you have right now to be grounded in the truths of God's Word, to develop your relationship with Him, and to learn all you can. And, once the battle starts, you will be glad you did! Faith Lesson: The faith of a Christian is measured by the depths of his/her trust and faith in God during life's hardest times.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
