There must be a vision of submission to the Lord.

     This happens in prayer.  When the Soldier of The Cross takes God's Word to payer, the Holy Spirit initiates by opening up the eyes of faith.  The Christian Servant who wants the Lord more than he wants the fix, is able to see beyond the situation, so that he can pray, not according to his perception of the matter, but according to God's infinite creativity and perfection.

     Is there any way better than His way?
     Is there any time better than His time?
    
     Without a vision of His Sovereignty, prayer becomes a plea for a short-cut.
     With our mighty God, there are no short-cuts.

     The old songs says . . . "For I know what'ere befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well. . ."

     Do you agree?  Or does your comfort zone dictate your attitude?

     Faith is based on agreeing with God.  It is not complex and does not involve anything except His child's hand in His.

     Most of our struggles are because our emotions resist what He is doing.  The relief is found in resting in Him, by faith.  Emotional relief follows.  Even in times of the most serious loss, agreeing with God sweetens the pain.

     Soldier of The Cross, agree with God.
     Aloud.

     Lord, as I stand before you tonight, thank you so much for Grace. 

     And thank you that your Grace is not just equal to all my sin, but so much greater.

     Thank you for making yourself real to me and for continuing to knock on the door of my heart.  Thank you that nothing limits you.

     Thank you for being Love.

     Please do anything needed in the deepest places in me, in order to make me like you.

     My Lord and my God.

     What is the matter before you?

    That is to say, what is the real matter?

     Is it some worry or burden of guilt?  The schedule?  Is it a matter of persecution?   Soldier, if it is too much for you, is it too much for Him?

     What encourages the Soldier of The Cross?

     Seeing the Lord.

     Seeing Him answer prayer.  Experiencing His healing love through another Christian.   Hearing His voice under an anointed teacher.   Leading someone to Christ.  Remembering an Ebenezer Stone.

     Soldier, he has not thrown you in the deep end just to watch you flail and gasp for air.    It isn't about seeing how much you can take.  It is about turning your gaze upon Him so that you can be healed and confident and see the Provision.

      I often ask Him to encourage me.  He always responds in a way I would never have imagined.

     Soldier, there is much to do.  Leave your request with Him, look up and move on.

     Tonight as I stand before you oh Lord, I have no natural strength for The Battle.

     You have promised to provide what is needed at the moment, and I trust you for that.  I wait for you and expect that provision.

     I need you.  I need your assurance,.  I need your Touch.  I need your Word and your Body.

     Oh Lord, I must move into tomorrow by faith and with a vision of your loveliness and personality.   Please reveal yourself to me to the extent that I can plant my foot on the next available ground. 

     I will trust you.  I will wait for you.  And I will move at your command.

     My Lord and my God.

     Your biggest problem is that you are trying to understand.

     There is no verse in the Bible that indicates you have a right to understand.    You have the right to obey.  You have the right to trust.  You have the right to raise your foot for the next step, fully expecting by faith, that there will be light to see the ground on which to plant it.

     Do not put God in a box.    Let Him have full play.  He will lead you and you must learn to follow.  He is expanding your territory and enabling you with Power and Light.

     Is this about your children?
     Your job?
     Something strange in your church?
     Your marriage?
     A depression that seems to by unjustified?
     Money?

     Nothing is weird to Him.  He knew about it before it happened.

     Soldier of The Cross, are you completely available?
     Tell Him.
     Alone and aloud.

     Soldier of The Cross, stay the course.

     There is no question concerning the leading of the Lord with regard to the next thing you must do.  He has not told you the whole Plan, but you are certain of the immediate need. 

     Lend yourself to that service.  

     He has never failed to lead and He will never fail to lead. 

     Tell Him you will obey.
     Today.    Aloud.

     Is He aware?

     Is His eye on the sparrow and not on you?  You know that is not the case.

     So, Soldier, take Him at His Word and advance.  It is not possible to stay in one place, and if you are not advancing, you are sliding into a vector that is already moving with momentum into retreat.

     What is the issue?  It is always the choice between believing God or walking by sight.  Which will it be?

     Tell Him.
     Alone and aloud.
 

     Soldier of The Cross, why are we told to let go of all that would encumber?

     Because if we are to serve, we must be completely available.  What does that mean?  It means that  we must be in prayer,  specifically to avoid concept.  It means that we must be in prayer,  specifically to move into unknown territory.  It means that we must be available to the Frontier of Faith.

     There is a worshipful and beautiful bending of the soul that takes place in prayer.  When the Soldier agrees with God and submits to Him, things fall into place in the unseen and He is free to operate.

     Soldier,  agree with God.
     Aloud and aloud.