THE COURAGEOUS SOLDIER
2 Timothy 2 vs 1-6, Joshua 1:6&9, Deuteronomy 3:16, Psalms 31:24, Psalms 27:14, 2 Samuel 10:12
Through the course of our journey, we have been learning and are being built up into an army of righteousness with our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, who is our Chief Commander. We have been raised through the course of the journey into Enduring Soldiers, Temperate Soldiers, Focused Soldiers and Resolute Soldiers that do the will, bidding and walk in obedience to the call of our Lord and Master. Albeit, He is not yet done building us as an army unto Himself.
And so as a continuation of the process, this quarter, He will be building us into Courageous Soldiers. Christian Courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost because God promises to help you and save you on the account of Christ Jesus.
Courage is indispensable for both spreading and preserving the truth of Christ. Jesus promised that spreading the gospel would meet resistance be it physical, mental or spiritual. Hence the need for a soldier to be courageous as the act may likely be painful whether physical as in war or mental as in confrontation and controversy. Matthew 24vs9.
We don’t become courageous in our homes or at our comfort zones. Instead, the loyalty of the soldier is proved where the battle rages. As soldiers of Christ spreading the gospel and doing the will of God, it will always take courage to stay true rather than run from the assignment just because of resistance. Running away in the face of adversity dishonours Christ.
Hence the bible teaches us to be courageous at all times, to stand against any form of distractions, hold onto our faith, beliefs and convictions about Christ to the world and us because a prosperous and victorious life is possible in Him. Psalms 27 vs 14, Joshua 1 vs 6-7.
Therefore, to become Courageous Soldiers in the army, we must do that which is right and pleasing to the Chief at all times. 1 Chronicles 22 vs 13. When we do right we don’t have a nagging or guilty conscience at the back of our head saying we deserve to fail or be punished. Courage doesn’t thrive with negative thoughts.
Worthy of mention is the fact that there will be times when our courage dwindles but the good news is that we are not without help. The Bible shows us ways by which our courage gets replenished. One of such ways is thru waiting on God (Psalm 27 vs 14).
Courage also comes from having people around that encourage us. You must help your brother when he is down and fill his heart with encouragement, faith and hope. Never leave a fallen Soldier behind!
Finally, fellow soldiers, as we begin this year with the theme Courageous Soldiers, you should expect that you would be entering a new phase of your life. A phase of learning to face every season as it comes with Courage knowing that strength comes from the Master. So put on the whole armour of God and get ready for battle. In times like this only the Courageous wouldn’t quit the Army. Be bold! Be courageous!! Be victorious!!!
A bold believer with strong character makes a courageous soldier.
NOTE: During the quarter you are expected to do the following:
- Hold evangelism preferably in a challenging/hostile neighbourhood.
- Watch the movie “Courageous”.
- Help Someone with clothes/foodstuff etc (Give out something as a brother or a chapter).
Your fellow Soldier,
Etinosa Israel Ighodaro,
Battalion 001.