When my older brother Joseph Brinson III (We call him Joe-Joe.) announced that he would be joining the US Marine Corps back in the 90’s, I had mixed emotions. I didn’t want him to go, because I knew there was a possibility he might lose his life in service to our country.
I was so used to Joe-Joe being home with our family, playing drums for our choir, which I directed, on Sunday morning at dad’s church. He somehow managed to keep perfect time while he simultaneously belted out his pitch-perfect tenor notes. He and my younger brother Andre, the church’s organist, made up the entire tenor section, save two or three others.
Somehow they managed to proficiently pull off their double duties.
In my teenage mind, I thought we would be that way forever. I pictured us always singing songs, harmonizing, and making beautiful music. I envisioned my siblings and I running through the large parsonage we lived in, pestering each other, and teasing one another endlessly about nonessential things far into the future.
But when the day arrived for Joe-Joe’s departure, it was a sobering experience. He was really leaving and we, well, were growing up, whether I wanted that to happen or not.
Thankfully, God carried him through that experience, allowed him to serve his time and returned him home safely to us. When he got back, however, my brave big brother, who looked so handsome in his uniform, appeared to be more serious, solemn even.
Joe-Joe’s chiseled, bulkier frame, sharp jawline and piercing eyes told a story of trial, struggle, and survival. I sat enrapt as he shared tales of what the soldiers had to go through in order to be fit for battle.
The physical and mental conditioning, rigorous training, and psychological warfare were far more brutal than I could ever have imagined.
When he departed, he was the typical, average young man. But upon his return Joe-Joe was a strong, trained soldier, just like millions of other service men and women who sacrifice their lives to keep our nation safe.
What they go through in preparation for battle is intense, but when they come out on the other side, they are fit for war.
Though many of us may never physically serve in the US armed forces, God drafts willing vessels to serve in His army. When we submit to recruitment and become soldiers, we too, must go through serious conditioning.
But it is for our making, not our breaking.
At times, we may feel pushed beyond our low threshold for pain, suffering, struggle, and testing. But God knows exactly how much we are able to bear and He’s allowing it for our good.
Today, if you’re in the midst of intense warfare, don’t fear or fret. God is getting you prepared for the front line of battle, so you won’t be defeated in the day of adversity.
To remind you to hold on and be strong through everything, I’m stirring 2 Timothy 2:3KJV into your cup of inspiration. It says, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be reminded that hardship is a part of preparation for greatness in the Kingdom of God, which amounts to a life of service. If you want to be a great servant, you must endure great trials.
But the good news is found in Psalm 34:19KJV that says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Now let’s pray together.
God, it is my desire to be a good solider in Your army. So even though it may be uncomfortable at times, I thank You for the preparation I’m going through for service in Your Kingdom. Please strengthen me as I surrender to the spiritual conditioning process You have allowed in my life. And help me remember You will never put more on me than I am able to bear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
