Persecuted

I have struggled with how to write this particular blog for a few days now. I have been thinking about it, but I was not sure where to go with it, or really what to say that would be productive instead of just venting!

However, God opened my eyes today and I am so thankful to Him for it! Ever since high school, I have been persecuted/lied about for several different reasons. Things that I had not done, but was persecuted anyways. Though I am in the military, and a grown woman, these actions have not stopped. I guess I shouldnt expect them to stop. Silly me.

Now, I am not going into the details about the rumor, or the Soldier because of privacy. However, they are false. But, I had a Soldier come to me and ask to speak to me. Naturally, I said yes, of course. One, as a leader in the military, it is my responsibility to care for Soldiers. Two, it is my moral obligation as a Christian Soldier to care for Soldiers. We went to the gazebo we have on ground here, and we talked for about 2 hours about the struggles of his life.

He mentioned he knew there was something different about me; he hadn't spoken about his life in the past year; and he had never been as honest as he was with me- ever. I told him the reason he felt inclinded to speak to me was because of my love for Jesus, I had something he didnt have. For the following week- we would have dinner together, talking about going home; we would have lunch together and talk about Christian songs; or we would meet at our gazebo and talk about why God allows us to go through such hard things in life. We wouldnt have every meal together, or meet every night at the gazebo, but this one week turned into something to other people that was not true.

Now, initially I was so heartbroken people automatically assume the worst about me.

Quick vent>> There is not a pool of women in the military for me to hang out with. Two, I am not going to turn someone away. Three, it is not fair to me that if I eat lunch or dinner with someone, it is automatically the worst. Four, it makes me feel like beauty is a curse. Five, don't people have anything better to do than to monitor me?! Okay, I am done. <<

However, this Soldier said to me... "Ma'am, I want you to know that you have probably saved my life. You are the kindest, most good hearted person I have ever met." I wouldnt take back one second I spent with this Soldier to spare the rumors because I may have saved his life, through the grace of God. This Soldier is worth the rumors, the feelings of sadness and betrayal. This Soldier needed someone to listen to him, to not judge him, and to point him to the cross.

I gave this Soldier a Bible with highlighted verses about temptation, struggles, forgiveness, strength and courage. I gave this Soldier Christian songs to inspire and encourage him. I wrote this Soldier a prayer of strength to get him through his next few months. What have I done wrong? Nothing. But because the military can't handle a male and female hanging out together without it being something it isnt, it really has been a struggle. I thought we were in the military, grown individuals who can have adult conversations without having their name drug through the mud- my bad. (Whoops, that was another small rant!)

But you know what my precious people- God is good. All the time, God is good! (Right mom?) :) As I was reading my Bible today, I came across Matthew 5: 11-12. I did not search for it, it just happened to be where I was at in my readings today.

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

So, if you think about him today prayer warriors- pray for him. Pray for him to feel the presence of God. He needs to know he is loved, forgiven, and he has the strength to do the right thing through the power of God. God does not forsake His people and He will not forsake you. I have prayed that God will overflow his cup with courage and strength. I pray that God will put the perfect people in his life to bring him to a place of knowing You God, and a place of happiness. God, You are a good and merciful God. I know that You will protect him if He seeks you. But Father, I ask that You just intervene when he is feeling tempted. In the name of Jesus- take the temptation away. Sometimes we are not strong enough to turn away, but I am praying on his behalf God! For we know prayer is the strongest of all. I am praying that Your promise of hope and future is fulfilled in his life. I place this son of Yours into Your hands God. There isnt a better place for him to be- and whether or not he remembers it or not- he needs You. Help him to feel and know that there are several people across this world praying for him, encouraging him and lifting him up to You.

And thank you God for showing me these verses today- You are slowly putting the life back into me. You saw the ultimate sadness I was feeling. You heard my cries, You caught my tears, You saw my empty hands that I tried to lift to You. Thank You for giving me another day, even when I didnt care to have another day. I love You God, thank You for loving Your children and making everything new.