Soldier Lessons

I have a tiny Roman Soldier sitting on my desk at work. It’s a visual reminder of what the Apostle Paul told the church at Ephesus:
“Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
But all week, my little soldier has been falling over. One day, I reached for a file folder and knocked him off his feet. Another time, I set my coffee down too close to him; and he wobbled over on his side. Then today, he fell flat on his face when I rammed my desk with my chair.
Interestingly, I identify with my little soldier the most when he’s lying there helpless. I understand what it feels like to be all decked out and in battle gear, ready to rumble, and then to get knocked off your feet.
This is where my little soldier and I differ. You see, no matter how many times my little soldier falls, he remains poised for battle. His arms stay extended, his sword remains drawn, and he maintains his game face.
I, on the other hand, often lose sight of the battle and start thinking of my predicament. Questions like ‘how am I going to get up with all this armor on?’ and ‘who’s going to help me?’ often dominate my thoughts.

But not so, my little soldier. He somehow knows that I am going to pick him up and set him on his feet again. He trusts me; so he waits. For some reason, this pleases me.
It pleases God too when we trust Him enough to wait patiently knowing that soon He’ll stand us upright again.
“Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. ” (Psalm 37:24)