Wounded Warrior
Galatians 6:14-17
Introduction: You may have heard of the “Wounded Warrior Project,” which offers help for injured and battle-weary soldiers returning home to civilian life. As Christians, we don’t fight a physical war (2 Cor. 10:3-4), but the wounds we can receive can be physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Paul in particular was physically wounded and abused. One of the cities in the Galatian province was Lystra, from which he was dragged, stone, and left for dead (Acts 14:19). Several other places speak of Paul’s sufferings (Acts 16:22; 2 Cor . 1 1:23-28). The marks Paul received were badges of honor for his service to Christ. Suffering both spiritual and physical injustice comes with the territory of being a Christian.
So what do we do when we are wounded?
ST AY FOCUSED! Like Paul,
we need to focus on the central point of our lives and message, the cross of
Jesus Christ (Gal. 6:14). Keep pointed toward our goal (Col. 3:2; Hebrews 1
1:10; 12:2).
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! If
we allow the negative to gain a foothold, it will swallow us up. Remember to
be thankful (Col. 3:15-17), since we were lost but now have a ministry (1 Tim.
1:12-16; Matt. 28:18-20).
LOOK TO SERVE! It is
amazing that Paul soldiered on in his work despite the tortures that he
endured. We must do the same. It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts
20:35). We were created to serve, so we must be about that work (Eph. 2:10)!
REMEMBER THE MEASURE! God
demands faithfulness, not success (1 Cor. 4:2). He doesn’t give us a quota of
good works to do, but rather requires that we continue in good works (Titus
2:7; 3:8). Not a certain number of converts, but planting and watering (1 Cor
. 3:6).
REMEMBER THAT WE KNOW THE END! No matter what pain and stress we go through, as Christians we know the outcome is victory through Christ Jesus (Rev . 12:1 1; 14:13). Will you share in that victory (Mark 16:16)?