Daily Companion  |  22 April

COMBAT FATIGUE

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die... - Revelation 3:2

 During the World War II, soldiers were lost in the battlefield more than in World War I. Soldiers were not lost because they were shot or bombed. They were lost to physical and mental exhaustion termed combat fatigue. It was estimated that 50% of soldiers are lost to battle fatigue. Most generals except few thought soldiers who suffered from combat fatigue were acts of cowardice. But research later found out they were wrong. It was not cowardice but mental and physical exhaustion from long non-stop gunfight, sight of indescribable horrors, or losing a colleague soldier. In fact, a combat fatigue researcher discovered that "evacuating a patient home, besides losing him forever as a fighting soldier, often exacerbated his condition. So by giving those soldiers complete rest in a safe area near the front, plus hot meals and a bath, 50-70% returned to combat within three days. 

Life is a battlefield and more also is the Christian faith. We are in constant combat physically, mentally and spiritually every moment. Christian life battle seems worse than the World War II. At the early part of every christian journey, there is always this zeal, energy and mental strength to fire on. But as the journey continues, zeal begins to wane or die. It is a natural phenomenon. God knows about it and that is why we are forewarned by our Lord and in the book of revelation. Many Christians who have backslided were mostly so due to battle fatigue, lack of retreat or rest, discouragements, disappointments, lack of support. We probably misdiagnosed them as being careless, coward or corny. They battle demons of poverty, principalities, rejection by families and friends because of their new faith, and combining God’s work with theirs to make ends meet could take a toll on them.

 Beloved, are you a new convert, church worker, leader or pastors? You are not immune from combat fatigue. As we approach the end of time,  it even gets worse, and we risk losing faith. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Our Great Commander therefore orders you to be watchful, and begin to strengthen things that still remain and prevent them from dying. For mental and physical exhaustion, take time some time away. Relax, eat and drink. If weak spiritually, and physical exhaustion are ruled out, you are not alone. Seek help in prayer from God and counsel from your leaders. Feel free to ask for support. He said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee” (Isaiah 41:10). Even if you can no longer save others, use the last strength in you to save yourself from this untoward generation and prevent combat fatigue. The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. (1 Peter 4:7).

Today’s Recite:  Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life. (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Today’s Morning Prayers: O God I thank You for always being there for me. I receive Your wisdom and strength to remain strong and competent before You in this endtime. Pour Your grace to carry on without dying in the battlefield. Holy Spirit, I need Your comfort. For in Jesus name I Pray. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: HOLD THE FORT

Today’s ReadMe:  2 Kings 24 - 25