a Letter from a humble servant of Jesus Christ and a friend of mine to me in the Military

Mike,

It's so good to hear from you, my brother. We've all been praying for you at The Mission, and so has our family since you've been away.

As a friend, and as a pastor, I have to encourage you to do your best to walk with integrity while you are serving in the military. I know you would rather be anywhere else, doing anything else, than to be there.

But, I am reminded of Paul the Apostle's letter to those who were followers of Jesus yet were slaves to Roman or Jewish Masters. He urged them to serve their master as though they were serving Jesus Himself. Even though they might be beaten for doing good, Paul encouraged them to continue to serve their masters, not run away, not demand better treatment, but simply to stay and to serve and even to endure hardship and abuse, for the cause of being an example of a Godly man or woman who loves and follows Jesus.

Read Ephesians 6:5-8- "Slaves obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them, not to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

1 Timothy 6:1- "All who under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered."

1 Peter 2:18-"Servants be submissive to your Masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor,if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if, when you do what is right and suffer for it, you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God."

*So, Mike, I want to encourage you to be honest with your commanders, and your leaders in the Army. Even if it means you might have to stay their longer. Do not bear false witness in order to get what you want, but be willing to let the Lord have His way and His will in things.

It makes me sad, honestly, that you're away, and that this has been so difficult for you. I am sure if I were in your shoes I'd be begging God to get me out. But be careful to let God do what He wants, on His terms and in His time. Don't step in and try to trick people into doing what you think is right.

Trust God.

I think that God does have a purpose for your being there, Mike. But if you miss it you will be the one who is the worse off for it.

Don't miss the chance to be used by God, even in a dark or violent place. He can protect you and He is able to see you through anything, no matter what.

We love you, Mike. We pray that you would be lifted up and encouraged in your faith to see what God is doing and saying to you while you are there.

Peace,

Keith