Veteran's Day

Read 2Chronicles 20:1-20 and 2 Samuel 22:29-43 "He teaches my hands to make war (For the war), so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." (2 Sam. 22:35, NKJV(. At first reading, this passage seems contradictory to what many believer's in Christ might think. But, as a career Soldier and Veteran of many wars as an American Soldier, I get it! As a MAN, war appalls me. I have personally experienced first hand the Horrors of war and the Terrible consequences that remain long after the fighting is over. There are NO winners in a Human sense, only victims, all lose. However, these verses from the Holy Bible, written through two Kings of Israel loved by God, speak of an aspect of God's Character SPIRITUALLY that reveal along side His Love that there is also His Vengeance and Protection for those who will choose to Trust Him. It also reveals His Sovereign and Miraculous intervention to fight for His Own Honor and for ours who stand prepared for His Victory; so that, all we have to do is show up and watch what His outcome will be. The battles and wars, as horribly mysterious as they are, are for His Divine and ultimate purposes. And one purpose (As hard as it is for us humans to accept or understand) is to show how evil and wicked all of mankind is. And, hopefully even after the wars, we will come to realize that we humans have not ever been good. In that, IF we accept this fact, therein lies our Salvation. Ever since Cain murdered his brother Able all humanity since then has been in perpetual rebellion against God, both Physically and Spiritually. Jesus solved the SPIRITUAL problem for mankind, but we have not as yet reached the end of our Human PHYSICAL problem (At least, not on Earth). War is just another EFFECT of our remaining Sinfulness (Sin = missing the mark of God's Heart). To me as a Veteran Soldier, I realize now that God IS MY God and was and IS always fighting for me and my Soul. I am a survivor and I am really a true Soldier of the "Heavenly Armies of God." I still do not understand well Why I and many other Soldier's have been allowed to survive the battles of war and live on to an old age. Whatever the reason, God knows. Yet, there is something I can still do. I can tell the story of how My God and His Son Jesus Christ still fight for those who dare to Trust Him. Trust Him regardless of any Earthly physical victory or defeat. He IS God Almighty and Sovereign over all the Nations of the World. He Alone does whatever pleases Himself, even if we do not. So, Soldier's and Veterans take Heart! Follow hard after Him and although you may still be suffering, know that it is a necessary part of your being drawn closer to God in the process. The great war for our Eternal Life and Freedom has already been Won long ago, Won SPIRITUALLY. Soon, the Physical will join the Spiritual when The LORD returns again. To be a Soldier is necessary for some and it is a great Honor to be used by God to help serve His purposes. Do not worry about the EFFECTS of your human experience. Look FORWARD, Watch what Jesus will do! Be content that YOU are an important tool and person in God's Final plan of Salvation and Peace to come. Keep fighting the Good fight of FAITH!