“A veteran is someone who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount of “up to and including my life.” – author unknown
This is a quote I posted on my wall because that was my mindset as a Soldier and as a Veteran. But, just last week, a different Veteran posed the idea of a ‘blank check‘ – during the context of a Bible study. What she said immediately resonated with me.
She said, “Jesus paid it all. He already gave everything up for you to be His Bride.” (When Jesus willingly died on the cross taking on everything we ever did wrong, even though He lived a perfect life, in order that we could be back into relationship with a Holy God. He did what we could not ever do for ourselves- and for that I am grateful and forever thankful.)
1 Peter 2:21-25ESV “21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
She went on to say, “God is likely asking you to give Him a blank check.” Are you willing to offer it all? Whatever it takes? Will you do it? Will you pay it? Will you give it up- whatever you are holding onto- for Him? (As He has done for you?)
One person in the study shared her thoughts at the end of the evening together. She said, “Whatever it takes…. When I was younger, I said to God, ‘use me as your instrument to do whatever you want.’ … Now that I am older, I say, ‘4 days a week Lord. For four days a week, I can do what you want me to do.’ Hmmm…That is not how it should be. I will give you whatever you want of me Lord.”
Wow.
What about me? What have I done? What am I now doing?
I remember I willingly gave over a ‘blank check’ to the government for my career, they had all of my life, but am I willing to do the same for the Lord? Does the Lord have full reign over everything?
Life Example
I got into a ‘discussion’ with my spouse about this idea of ‘full control’ recently. We went to legal to get a general power of attorney created for ‘just in case I need it’ purposes. At first he was fine with that knowing that he was about to return back to the United States in a few days and we would be here in South Korea (a foreign country) without him while we are still getting settled in. However, when it came down to sitting face to face with the legal advisor, he suddenly had cold feet. The representative, in giving full disclosure, said to him, ‘you do know that with this document that she will be able to do anything in your name right‘?
(Nervous laughter from my spouse.)
“I change my mind. You don’t need this. We can just get a special power of attorney so that we can get the household goods done. And I’ll put an expiration date on there too for two years out (see how generous I am extending out the time for you?).”
Um…. so…. that was not what we talked about going into the office. However, it was obvious that when it came down to it, he wasn’t comfortable with the idea of a ‘blank check’ to do with it whatever I willed. To tell you the truth, I was pretty offended and disappointed that my spouse thought that I would do something harmful to him (and to us) with that paperwork. But I digress…
What about God?
I realize that many people feel that way about God. It is easier to compartmentalize the Lord into things or times like: Sunday worship, Christmas and Easter holiday, before meals, maybe at promotions or when something devastating and unexpected comes up in their life. Sure, the Lord is there for those things but our God is a jealous God in that He declared that there can be NO OTHER gods before me. Have you done that? Is there anyone or anything else that you hold tighter than the Lord? …has more worth and value to you than the Lord? Why is it that way? Do you not trust that He is good? Are you unsure that His ways are better than your ways? Have you felt ‘let down‘ by God and now you are struggling in your faith?
Well, why not get to know God (again) for yourself? It is unrealistic to place trust in someone that you do not know. Allow Him the opportunity to show you just Who He Is, not who you might want Him to be. His Word says, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord,” (Jeremiah 29:12-14a ESV) Spend time with Him, learn about Him and open up to Him again. He already knows ALL about you. You are valuable to Him as He has already paid the price for you.
Whatever it takes, right?
Are you willing?
Maybe that’s something to consider as we celebrate Veterans day.
Read ‘Happy Veterans Day‘ to read about my change of orders, the poem ‘I am a Soldier‘ and to read a portion of what the Bible has to say about being ‘a good Soldier of Jesus Christ‘ here at https://sejanashines.com/2017/11/10/happy-veterans-day/.
Sejana Shines 
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