Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant

As I look back over the past 2 1/2 years I see a period of God's testing and faithfulness. My life was shaken to its core by the events which started this chapter; challenging my outlook on the value of family, the fragile nature of ministry and the role of those in positions of authority over me.

I'd like to think perhaps I've learned a thing or two during this journey. That is why I've decided to share them so that others might benefit from my personal experience. 

1. Keep Relationships in Proper Order: Keep God first in all things - God will not be mocked. Regard your family as a life-long ministry and protect your spouse. A man will not be an effective minister of the gospel if he cares little for the members of his own household. And serve others before serving yourself. When we invert this order we will only give cause to turning our lives upside down. 

2. God Will Provide: No matter how difficult things may get, "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Prov 3:5,6). There will be days when it looks as though all has been lost, but so long as you put your trust in Him, God will get you through it. 

3. Keep Pressing Forward: At times trying circumstances may tempt you with discouragement and you may question whether or not the journey is worth the struggle. These are merely part of the testing you are going through. Remain driven to the cause no matter how much resistance, waiting, or delay may set out against you. The enemy loves to convince people it's okay to give up; its one of his most effective strategies. 

4. Ask For Help: Despite popular opinion, no one can survive in their own strength. Trying to prove one's self-sufficiency is a losing strategy; exhausting and frustrating. God's children must recognize they are all part of the body of Christ and no part can say to another, "I don't need you." Our strength is found in Christ and it is dispensed through the service of His people. Ask the Lord to reveal your weaknesses and be prepared to share those weaknesses with a trusted friend.

5. Submit to Authority: Last, but not least, it is important to recognize God's authority at work through His deligated authority (Rom 13:1). At times we may be tempted to question those in authority over us, but again this is a testing of our will to submit to God. If you ever find yourself caught between the pillars of rebellion and obedience, bring the matter before the Lord and He will give you the wisdom to act accordingly. 

Today, Kate and I have been restored to the rank of Lieutenant as officers in the Salvation Army. It has been a long road but we have gained a great deal from this chapter of our lives. Our hope is that God might use what we have learned during this time on the road ahead. May the name of Jesus Christ be exalted in everything we do - to Him be all glory and all power and all honor and all praise!