“Good Soldier” (2Ti 2:3)

[netchaplain]

Aaah, the refreshing after the trial! I’m glad I’m learning to remember not to allow them to trouble me (Jn 14:1, 27), because there is more taught in going through free-handed than white-knuckling. I feel that I may sometimes still let it get to me a little too much, but I think the most difficult ones are at least quite bothersome. Not that I would feel guilty if I do allow a trial to trouble me, because I do sometimes when off-guard, but only briefly after remembering to “cast” it on God (1Pe 5:7). To me, “casting” involves remembering that He orchestrates everything in our life to result for our good and never for evil; esp. if we think we incurred it, which can be the most difficult to cast on Him. But we rest in knowing that the trials are the largest part of His school of learning.

Regardless of where I feel my maturity should be in the Lord Jesus (Eph 2:21; 4:15; 1Pe 2:2; 2Pe 3:18), or of any type of discouraging word, I have the right—yea the command to “cast all your care on Him!” In all of this, I realize that the sole element keeping me from deviating from these Scriptural principles is the unfailing love of God, shown in His unceasing “work in you” to ever “desire and do of His good pleasure” (instead of the old man’s pleasure - Phl 2:13); from which nobody, including self (“Who” Ro 8:35) “nor any other creature” (angel – 8:39) “will separate us.” [Notice it does not say “can not,” or “may not” but “shall (will) not separate us”]

 

[Susannah]

Beautiful . . . ?

 

[JLB]

Aaah, the refreshing after the trial! I’m glad I’m learning to remember not to allow them to trouble me (Jn 14:1, 27), because there is more taught in going through free-handed than white-knuckling. I feel that I may sometimes still let it get to me a little too much, but I think the most difficult ones are at least quite bothersome. Not that I would feel guilty if I do allow a trial to trouble me, because I do sometimes when off-guard, but only briefly after remembering to “cast” it on God (1Pe 5:7). To me, “casting” involves remembering that He orchestrates everything in our life to result for our good and never for evil; esp. if we think we incurred it, which can be the most difficult to cast on Him. But we rest in knowing that the trials are the largest part of His school of learning.

Regardless of where I feel my maturity should be in the Lord Jesus (Eph 2:21; 4:15; 1Pe 2:2; 2Pe 3:18), or of any type of discouraging word, I have the right—yea the command to “cast all your care on Him!” In all of this, I realize that the sole element keeping me from deviating from these Scriptural principles is the unfailing love of God, shown in His unceasing “work in you” to ever “desire and do of His good pleasure” (instead of the old man’s pleasure - Phl 2:13); from which nobody, including self (“Who” Ro 8:35) “nor any other creature” (angel – 8:39) “will separate us.” [Notice it does not say “can not,” or “may not” but “shall (will) not separate us”]

Nothing will separate us from the love of God.

He loves us dearly.

For if he loved the world, His enemies, so much that He gave His only begotten Son for us, how much more will He love us as sons.


Amen.


For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39




JLB

 

[netchaplain]

Nothing will separate us from the love of God.

He loves us dearly.

For if he loved the world, His enemies, so much that He gave His only begotten Son for us, how much more will He love us as sons.

Good point, and thanks!

 

[Susannah]

I love the title of this thread about being a "good soldier." When my brother died, someone mentioned that I was being a brave little soldier. I liked the idea so I became stoic over the years when it came to pain and suffering. This caused psychological problems.

Today I have found the middle ground thanks to Jesus Christ. I am a brave and loyal soldier. But I also vent to the appropriate people. I love being a soldier for God. I am part of the Salvation Army (I love that term.)

Thanks for starting this thread and reminding of how much God loves me. Everyone have a nice day!

 

[netchaplain]

I love the title of this thread about being a "good soldier." When my brother died, someone mentioned that I was being a brave little soldier. I liked the idea so I became stoic over the years when it came to pain and suffering. This caused psychological problems.

Today I have found the middle ground thanks to Jesus Christ. I am a brave and loyal soldier. But I also vent to the appropriate people. I love being a soldier for God. I am part of the Salvation Army (I love that term.)

Thanks for starting this thread and reminding of how much God loves me. Everyone have a nice day!

Appreciate the encouraging comments! I see a good soldier in Christ as one who is "strong in the Lord" (Eph 6:10) and not in self. I attended Salvation Army's fellowship for a while and came to like their manner of worship (I was drummer at one) and also shared in the public services they provide.