The inlay of the newsletter reads: “It is through difficulty that a man’s character is made and forged in life.”
And the following is an excerpt of the newsletter about Peter, who encourages and reminds me of my purpose to represent my Lord Jesus Christ in life or in death!
As believers, most of us prefer not to have conflict or trials in our lives. However, without these trials or battles, there is no victory. It is through difficulty that a man’s character is made and forged in life. Michael, our senior chaplain, told me that Peter was extremely popular with the men in his unit. This was because of how he lived out his life before others. Peter did not need to be forced to do a task; he was always willing, no matter how difficult or unpleasant the task was. He did it with joy. He truly lived out his Christian walk. He chose to put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, instead to live a life that was set aside for the Gospel. He was a man that realized he was not here to represent himself, but to represent Jesus Christ. Peter understood what the Word meant when God speaks of His church and says that we are a holy people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people set aside for God’s own purposes.
[Peter]…has made the final journey having lived for Christ. Jesus said that no greater love does a man have than this, but he lay down his life for a friend. …
One of the mottos of the Chaplain Corps is, “They died that others might live.” Peter fulfilled this in his personal sacrifice to save others. With Peter’s passing, his wife and children will have to continue on, each having their own race to run. ... [Peter's] baby boy will never remember his father, but he will know that his father was a man who willingly chose to lay down his life so that his family would live.
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When I remember the big picture of this existence and how some men and women are "getting it" or understanding what it means to proclaim that their lives are NOT their own, I am very convicted by my own perspective and own ways of life.
When I consider it all, I wonder how or why God even puts up with me?
I'm reminded that examine my life next to Christ, and evaluate whether I'm making it count for Him and His purposes. I know it doesn't require some big, glorious thing to please the Lord - just faith and a willingness to let Him have all of me!