If you were blessed by attending “Momentum,” then you probably left feeling, even reeling, as I did: Lord, I realize this world is a place of incredible spiritual warfare. There are huge battles being waged against deep darkness. I need to go; I need to MOVE! But where, Lord? How do you want to use ME?
There is no doubt our High Commander is calling us into the world’s fray to do battle. God has called Christine Caine and her husband to be “generals” in leading much of the fight against human trafficking, specifically in central Europe. God is calling many of us at Long Hollow to join in that same battle, too, and even along other “fronts” (Rescue1 ministry, Nancy in Thailand, etc.), and even others to fight different “battles.”
Contemplating the analogy of “joining the army” made me think—even in the army there are different “positions” to take up, and there are different “fronts.” God is not calling us to do every single thing, or even something, in every single battle out there, for there are MANY. In fact, there are an overwhelming number of them. However, He IS calling you to a specific job in AT LEAST ONE of them.
As a child, I loved the old hymn “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” and the anthem “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” I liked the hard, thumping chords of the bass lines, like a constant, steady reminder to march on in God’s work. Not too long ago, one popular denomination chose to remove “Onward, Christian Soldiers” from their hymnal because of its “war” reference. The topic of war is not politically correct or pleasant. No one likes war. But the truth is that without Jesus, there is no peace and warfare—whether physical or spiritual–will remain.
Some battles we wage intertwine, so having an impact on one can also greatly affect others. And the list of offenses and battle lines drawn are almost endless. In addition to human trafficking, consider others: addictions, poverty, abuse (in all populations and in all forms), cults and false religions, assaults on marriage, abortion, all forms of crime and horrendous human behavior and debauchery. The list goes on and on.
In an army, there are leaders, strategists, generals. There are those who serve on the front lines. There are those who serve in specialized operations forces. There are those who fill the supply lines, and there are those who secure perimeters. There are mediators and peacekeepers. There are those who are mechanics, responsible for tune-ups and making repairs.
Every single Christ follower has been given at least one “gift” to be used SPECIFICALLY in advancing His kingdom (1 Corinthians 12-14). It’s obvious there is much work to do. But that fact cannot overwhelm us to the point of doing nothing. What you need to determine is what is God calling YOU to do? He hasn’t called any of us to be bystanders—that is one role that is NOT in an army.
So, if you are a believer, consider yourself served with your marching orders. Forward, hut, 2, 3, 4!