Women of Vision South Puget Sound: November Devotional: Thankful for our Veterans

Every American soldier has a story.

Robert, a Korean war hero clad in a medal covered navy suit jacket, shared his story with a high school classroom - a story of unquestioned obedience, sacrifice and integrity in the line of duty. At his superior officer's command, Robert remembered picking up a machine gun and charging blindly, or climbing a muddy mountain, slipping and falling continually; or instantly crawling under fire delivering a message to the front. The students were captivated by the testimony of the older gentleman. The world map was unrolled and Robert pointed to Korea half way around the world, and declared that he was honored and proud to leave his home and serve his country in war.

As Christians, we too are solders. We are in a war against darkness. We need to remember Jesus who paid the price for our freedom. We need to follow His example and His Word with unquestioned obedience, sacrifice and integrity as we minister in our generation.

The darker the darkness the fiercer the fight. As Women of Vision we are not just a group of women raising funds for charity; we are mighty warriors against darkness and we can count on fierce opposition from the darkness. As we begin to mobilize for this year of outreach locally, nationally and globally, may we remember these promises from Psalm 121 - used in the lyrics of Casting Crowns' song "Praise You in this Storm.

"I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shad at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

May we remember not only the brave men and women in harm's way who serve in the Armed Forces, but the One who died so that all might be free. May we be inspired by the faithful men and women in the Armed Forces past, present and future, to serve Him as they serve: with integrity, sacrifice and obedience, as we stand against the darkness on behalf of marginalized women and children around us, through Women of Vision.