NO ONE WALKS ALONE

Recently witnessing a military basic training graduation ceremony for the first time thanks to my daughter’s new adventure, something struck me as applicable to our own civilian lives. As they recited the Soldier’s Creed, two tenets of it struck me as they also related to some stories my daughter shared:

 

 

 

It warmed my heart to learn of a few special people that God placed in my daughter’s path for her to experience the truth of those tenets. The soldiers in training are given two pairs of boots. One woman opted to keep only one pair of boots for herself and gave the other pair to my daughter since my daughter’s boots were too small for her feet. She had open wounds on her heels because of it and could barely walk. This soldier in training was exhibiting working as a team member, helping someone in need. What a beautiful gesture to help my daughter make it through.

 

Photo courtesy of Raymond Teodo under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

The other story was from the last big physical endurance test before graduation, which is called The Forge. My understanding is it is a 72-96 hour adventure that spans 45 miles with being continually outside in the elements performing various testing in skills. My daughter recounted how there were two men, one that went ahead of her and the other behind her, that helped keep her focused and motivated to continue on. She felt bad that the one behind her retreated often to stay with her, though he could have finished earlier. In effect, I think both gentlemen were willing to sacrifice themselves to live out the tenet of “never leaving a fallen comrade.”

 

Doesn’t God do those same things in our lives?

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  –Matthew 28:19-20  (NIV)

We are disciples on Team Jesus. We are all called to share the Gospel with others, bringing them into a personal relationship with Jesus. He leads us, providing what we need at just the perfect time. Jesus assures us that He is always with us, even until the end of the world.  

 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  –2 Peter 3:9  (NIV)

The Lord does not want to leave anyone behind because He has great love for all of His creation. Often we wander from the fold, but He waits patiently for us to return to Him. There is no greater love than that which the Father has for us, His children. All we have to do is return to Him.

 

Take a few minutes to reflect on your relationship with others that God has put in your path.

–Are you emulating Team Jesus, sharing His goodness, with the groups you are a part of?

–Are you present to support those who need someone to keep them going strong?

 

Be encouraged this week to…

… share with someone what Jesus has done for you.

… rest in the assurance that Jesus is with you.

… not let someone walk alone.

… reach out to a trusted person when you need some help.

 

REFLECTION:

How can you better reflect teamwork in an area of your life?
Who is God leading you to extend some assistance to during their trial?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  –Hebrews 12:1  (NLT)