Devotion

Theme: The Enduring Soldier in Christ Jesus 

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

Our Christian life is a warfare, not carnal but spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). The Apostle Peter has equally admonished as to be steadfast as our adversary the devil is roaring like a lion seeking whom to devour ( 1 Peter 5:8). It is for this reason, if you are a soldier in Christ, you must be strong in the grace of God. Your faith is strengthened if you read the accounts of witnesses in the Bible and as well testify of what God has been doing in your life.

Endurance in moments of hardship reveals our faith the more. Dear beloved in the Lord, every stage or level in life comes with a challenge which is usually seen as hardship but once you conquer it, it's of no significance to you. You're not called forth as a soldier to please yourself but He who has called you forth. God has chosen you for a purpose. You might be called as a Apostle, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher or a Prophet in His divine ministry. Irrespective of your status, you need to endure in battle. You can only be crowned when the battle is over and not when it starts. In Exodus 14, the glory of God is manifested as He delivers His own from the hands of the Egyptians. 

There are no limitations in life expect that which a man wills for himself. Don't let anything limit you in life. The Spirit of God rest upon your life and so, you're not ordinary. In the difficulty, call on God. In joy, call on God. At every moment of your life, call on God. Your strength is in Him. If you are able to endure the hardship, then the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Peter 5:10 may be perfected in your life; 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:10-11). After your endurance, God will perfect you in His glory. You will be well established beyond reproach for the strength of God will rest upon you and you will be settled peacefully on all sides in Jesus name.

Prayer: I'm a soldier in Your army o God. By the Blood of Jesus, may I be steadfast and endure all hardships. Make me wear the crown of victory at all times even now and forevermore in Jesus name. AMEN!