THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER -- WINTER 2025

          We all have defining moments in our life, when a decision is made that changes our life in a momentous way. Momentous means of great and far-reaching importance or consequence. A defining moment is a decisive, critically important moment when we make a decision that will change the course of our life, for better or for worse.
          Not every decision we make is defining but we must be aware of the seriousness of decisions we make in the moment that will alter the course of our life and/or our walk with God. And our decisions always affect others, not just ourselves.

          A good friend once told me that the moment she walked into our church for a special service was a defining moment for her. She knew God had led her here and she felt at home. The decision to attend a different church one time changed the course of her life and led her to the full truth of God’s Word.

          Isaac’s defining moment came about by him obeying his father and trusting he knew what he was doing. Abraham took Isaac to a mountaintop to offer sacrifice to God. This was not a new experience for Isaac. What was different this time was the fact that they had no lamb for the sacrifice. Isaac asked where the lamb was and Abraham replied “my son, God will provide Himself a lamb for sacrifice.” 
          No one knows what went through Isaac’s mind when Abraham bound him and laid him on the altar, raising his knife to kill him, but we know this must have been a defining moment because once God stopped Abraham, they offered the ram found nearby as a sacrifice. I am positive that both Abraham and Isaac wept with relief and thanksgiving to God. Isaac’s trust in God is apparent for the rest of his life.

          Jesus had a defining moment in the garden of gethsemane, where He prayed for God to release Him from the horrible death He faced. The Bible tells us He finally surrendered His will to His Father. It has been said that Jesus would have carried through with it because He was without sin and incapable of rebelling. Perhaps that is true. But Jesus overcame the fleshly fear and will to live by the power of the Spirit living within Him. Consider this: with His Spirit, we have the same power Jesus had to overcome the fear and human desires Jesus faced in the garden. As He overcame His flesh, so can we!
          Jesus said in Acts 1 “but you shall receive power when the Holy Ghost has come upon you and you shall be witnesses of me.” We have His promise to receive His power in the best defining moment we will ever have… receiving the Holy Ghost!

          Defining moments can also be negative ones that have consequences. That’s why it is very important to always pray over important decisions. Where we go to school, who we marry, where we work or live, what God’s will is for situations we face are often defining moments. It’s comforting to know God has never and will never lead us in the wrong direction. He gives us leaders who can pray with us and help us come to right decisions. It is important to listen to the right voices who will advise us on how to differentiate between God’s will and our will.

           Sometimes others make defining decisions that affect us in negative and painful ways. This does not mean God has forsaken us. By keeping our trust in Him, we can rely on His leading on a new unexpected path of life. He knows what will happen to us before we do.  He will never lead us astray so we can confidently follow His leading and keep our trust in Him. Keeping our communication open with God and reading and applying His Word are the best help we have during trying times. Through prayer, He will show us the correct decisions to make. Remember this scripture “Never have I seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.” We can always rely on the Lord.