As a survivor of severe physical and sexual abuse I was destined for self-destruction even though I was born again. It wasn’t just enough for me to ask God into my life, I needed to surrender my life over to Him.
I needed to fight my way out of my past and then take my past and use it as ammo against the enemy, but it would take me listening to God’s instructions so I could be that soldier, that warrior God has called all of his children to be.
I fought for so many things in my life: love, justice, peace, relationships and acceptance. It’s not in my DNA to run away from a fight, and even though it sometimes causes me pain, grief and/or embarrassment it has also provided me with some moments of joy.
When I truly bowed my knee to God and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I willfully surrendered myself to Him. I was expecting the fighter in me to leave, but surprisingly enough God loved that about me, He just needed to tame it a bit. This taming process would teach me many things, like submission and patience. It allowed me to see what was worth holding on to and what I needed to let go of. He needed me to see that my enemy was not who I thought it was and that my reasons for fighting needed to change.
I had to learn that we need to stop living for God as if we are punching a timeclock for a paid job, expecting recognition, benefits of the highest quality, appreciation and the Christian-of-the-Year Award. It does not work that way.
We have to stop rubbing the Bible like it is a magic lamp, hoping to be granted three amazing wishes. This is a position held by loyal, strong, powerful, focused, dedicated, chosen people who will not be easily turned around by hard times or persecution. We are Soldiers in the army of the Lord.
My book, The Threshing: The Making of a Soldier, is speaking to the fighter that is in all of God’s children. But the battle can’t be fought alone.
I think more of our fellow brothers and sisters in this war would be able to survive this battle if they had someone carrying them. Look at your church for a minute and take an honest survey. Do you think your church welcomes those who’ve experienced trauma?
If not, it’s time to remind your church body that God sees them and they aren’t alone.
It may not seem like it at the time of our struggle, but He is watching. He is recording and jotting down the wrongs and He will vindicate. Don’t underestimate God’s timidity and silence as a sign of weakness. Don’t be fooled by the fact that he seems gentle and think that He can be manipulated. No, He knows all and sees the beginning from the end.
Read more of The Threshing: The Making of a Soldier, and order your book today!
