For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NASB)
I have laughed several times over in thinking back on the recent experiences of my colleague in golf and in ministry, Dereck Wong. You may recall from his own writing that Dereck purchased for himself a new driver, one that instantly restored lost yardage to his game. In fact, he was hitting the ball farther than ever.
But there is something of a “rest of the story” nature to this little tale. It seems that one of Dereck’s regular partners was not so impressed with what was happening to Dereck’s game. Yes, Dereck had gained all that yardage, but suddenly one of the straightest drivers you’ll ever meet was spraying it all over the golf course. Dereck had a new weapon, but he was going to have to learn to wield it in all its might if it was going to make sense for him to stick with it.
Many times when men and women come to faith in Christ, there is both a wonder and a hesitation to their walk. They are blown away that God could bring such healing and renewal of mind, spirit, relationships, even body. The miraculous nature of the Lord’s intervention is undeniable.
Simultaneously, however, we can be made aware that God wants to show that same strong power through us. And this scares us to death. Me, a warrior? Me, destroying strongholds?
Yet this is where we find ourselves when we are willing to go from casual to committed (and really, Scripture doesn’t present the walk with Jesus as anything other than committed). The good result in this is that we are ever and always moved into the very place we need to live each day, the place of dependence and trust on the One who gives the power that overcomes.
About 10 years ago, U.S. military recruiters found some thrust with their campaign, “An Army of One.” There is no such thing for the believer in Jesus. We walk with him and with those he has given us as co-laborers in his mission to bring salvation even to the darkest places and the coldest hearts. God takes those who are willing in spirit—be they sure in intellect, tender at heart, clear in speech, sound of body, or discerning in wisdom—and unites them for his purposes. For it is we who do not war according to the flesh.
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Jeff Hopper
February 5, 2016
Copyright 2016 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.