Giving someone authority over your wellbeing is not easy. It requires trust and a willingness to yield to their leadership. Every day soldiers are asked to do this in order to fight more effectively and for a common good. The Commander in charge of a fighting unit is responsible for their lives and maintains the capacity to provide for their support and every need. Unfortunately, because man is flawed, mistakes happen and losses do occur.
It is a slightly different story if you are one of the Lord’s foot soldier. Yes, humble obedience is a prerequisite to becoming an active duty soldier. Following God as your Commander and Chief still requires trust, or better put, faith. A submissive heart willing to follow orders and enter unknown territories is also obligatory. The difference I speak of is in the commander himself. God is without sin and all-powerful. As our spiritual leader, He will not and cannot fail. He is perfect and will therefore perfectly protect and provide for those entrusted in His care. He ALWAYS equips His soldiers effectively and His provisions are fail proof.
“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 he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
Does this mean there will never any casualties? No. Even though the Commander in Chief is perfect, the soldiers in His army are not. In addition to sinful natures, the soldiers of God have been given the gift of free will. This means even His best officers will make decisions in their flesh and disobey His commands or assignments. When this happens there are often casualties.
Our actions do have a ripple affect that impact others. Thankfully God’s plan and purpose can never be thwarted. Because of rebellion and sin, there may be a few last minute rabbit trails for others to scramble through. But God knows all and sees all, so He is never caught off guard by a surprise attack. Sin may alter a course but it will never change the outcome God has designed.
So then, who does God put on the front lines?
Our Commander is constantly searching for men and women who are beyond question in regards to faith and morality. They are passionate in their love for Christ and live a daily life and purpose: to accomplish His will. They see their life as an opportunity to serve others. They have no need to ask why when the impossible seems to be the assigned mission. They just go where they are sent believing that the One who sent them had a flawless reason and outstanding purpose.
The blessing we must never forget is that our Commander in Chief is also our heavenly Father. Every time one of His children enters into battle He goes before them. He loves us more than we can fathom. This knowledge alone should aid In trusting Him with our lives.
Unlike earthly Commanders, we always have permission to “speak freely” in His presence. He encourages fellowship and the offering up of concerns through prayer. God longs to hear our every thought. He will never turn a deaf ear to our petitions.
With a reverent fear and humble heart approach the throne of God. When you do, be ready to accept His answer. His reply may be yes, no, not now, or silence. Faith will confirm His answer is best. It would be a rebellious and arrogant foot soldier that tossed aside heavenly orders in order to carry out his or her fleshly ones.
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, 
and before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33 (NKJV)
God has all the details to every battle in your future. He has planned His moves with infinite knowledge before you were even created. If you make a decision on your own or reject His leadership, you will move into battle with only half the plan. Setbacks are certain to be just ahead.
A soldier who obeys his commanding officer and serves in the face of danger, without all the facts, is a man or woman to be trusted and honored. He or she will be praised in this world and in the one to come. But remember this; pride brings dishonor. It is a blemish hard to erase. We accomplish nothing through our own might for it is God alone who provides the necessary skills to accomplish the purpose, and the purpose is always His.
 “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”   Proverbs 29:29 (NKJV)
“The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. “        Psalm 25:9 (NKJV)
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud,
 but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (NKJV)
A devotional from Cheryl Zelenka’s upcoming book FACING ADVERSITY WITH WISDOM, PRAISE, AND PROMISES  Check out her other books on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Cheryl+Zelenka