Courage in the face of struggle is something that we all need. It is difficult to understand how the struggle we face can help us to grow mentally and spiritually.
Joshua 1:9 tells us:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go"
M. o matter the adversity that we face, Go. d is always with us and will never leave us for any reason. God does not the author of our struggles but He will use them for... moreCourage in the face of struggle is something that we all need. It is difficult to understand how the struggle we face can help us to grow mentally and spiritually.
Joshua 1:9 tells us:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go"
M. o matter the adversity that we face, Go. d is always with us and will never leave us for any reason. God does not the author of our struggles but He will use them for our benefit even when it is we that bring about the conditions of our suffering which is often the situation.
God loves us and wants only the best for us. He will, however, use our battles to bring us closer to Him. In James 1:12 we are told:
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him".
Times of adversity can be a time of growth IF we approach them in faith, in prayer, and with an attitude of perseverance.
For us, modern knights, we k ow that perseverance is the tenth of the twenty-four virtues that we learn and apply in our daily lives ( Knights of Christ, Biddle, Daniel A., pgs 67-69).
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".
As Templars we fit into this category. We are called to serve God in the Order, and witnessing to those in our pervue of ministry. Some of us act as priests while others serve as instruments of peace and nurture to people who have been unhoused, coworkers, or friends and family. Sometimes it is people who are facing loss through fire or other natural disasters or others who are facing illnesses.
We face our challenges not only to strengthen our personal growth, but also to be able to minister to others with empathy and understanding As we have been through the same challenges.
Personally, I face complications to a medical condition called Huntingtons disease. This is an autoimmune disorder which attacks my central nervous system. It makes it challenging to learn and retain new information. Conversation with people is difficult because it takes me longer to speak or respond to others, which can be a lesson in patience.
I have lost the ability to walk more than eighteen feet without assistance before losing strength and balance. There are days of deep depression and malaise resulting from my limitations and feeling that I am a burden to friends and family. These are just a few of the symptoms which I regularly face.
In the beginning I felt that I was being punished for something that I had done, but now I understand that I have bee blessed to be as I am. It has given me the opportunity to work with others who face chronic illness or physical injury. It has been a rough road but through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
One of my favorite quotes is from Philo of Alexandria: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle which you know nothing about.”. So many face their affliction with great stoicism and courage.
Within our Order we have brothers and sisters who have physical, mental, and/or emotional issues and I am amazed at the courage they evince and the patience, compassion, and love they are shown.
1 Peter 3:8 NIV
“8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”.
It takes great courage to face adversity, but it also takes an equal measure of courage to reach out to others extending a loving hand to help them. It takes immeasurable courage to share God’s word and love.
“Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong – that is your oath.”
Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us to be defenders of our faith. Thank you for giving us the opportunity and courage to face our own afflictions while reaching out to others to give them comfort and support. It is only through You that we have the courage and strength to do Your will. Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
SGT Eric Fletcher
Priory of St Joan of Arc
Agit et Deus aget
