I pledge allegiance to...my God and Father
Who is this glorious king? He is our LORD, a strong and mighty warrior. Psalm 24:8
It was our son’s first deployment and we were on base to see him off. Toward the end of our visit, God showed me things I’ll never forget.
The men were called in groups to the low, brick building that held their rifles. When Jimmy came back with his gun, he took great delight in explaining all about it to his brothers and his dad. I stood a few steps away, just watching and praying. As I watched, I realized that he was so comfortable with his weapon, it was like a part of his body. He knew every piece of it by touch and handled it with a casualness that bespoke many hours practice.
After everyone had their rifles, they were called into formation one last time before boarding the buses. I was amazed at how easily the commander got their attention—it was nothing but bedlam and confusion, with families and loved ones vying for one last moment of attention. But those soldiers were so tuned in to their leader, their response was almost instantaneous when called. I was struck by how vital it was they responded like that; after all, soldiers could hardly be effective apart from their commander.
We’re like that too. As believers, we must constantly keep an ear tuned to God, ready at a moment’s notice to hear and obey His commands.
Finally, I realized that no one, looking at them as a group or individually, could mistake them for anything but what they were—soldiers at war. They held themselves proudly, not afraid of who they were or the job they had to do. Anyone, friend or enemy, would know their purpose.
We, too, are soldiers—instantly recognizable to the world and to the prince of this world. My prayer is that I’d be able to stand firm, relying on God’s strength and never dishonoring His uniform.
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphoto.net and Imagery Majestic
Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also a regular contributor to Novel Rocket, a Writer’s Digest pick for top writing websites.
She currently has two books available, the best selling eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, and her latest project, a devotional for those with family members in the military, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle. Married thirty years to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
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