Unmoveable Unshakeable In You

The end of Phase II and the remainder of Phase III are the stage of CHBOLC I am in.

All PT tests are done, most class work is done and at this point, I am waiting to move to Fountain, Colorado. The major test for myself at this point has been dealing with a car accident that injured me on 22 Oct 2009. I am trying to heal up and get ready for the tremendously fast paced ministry awaiting me with the 4BSB of 1BCT, 4ID.

The major lesson God has been teaching me, other than patience (and that is a big one) is that of my identity being found only in him.

It is a tremendous honor to wear this uniform, and to minister to the finest of Americans who choose to wear it as well. However, ministry aside, the uniform I wear cannot define me. The tabs and schools I goto, or don't goto, the longevity of my ministry, or career in the Army truly has no bearing on who I am.

Now, credibility in ministry is important, and standards need to be met, and raised. This is important in ministry to soldiers and as a soldier. However, at the end, the only people I will walk away from the Army with are my loving family, and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

My life, my foundation, and my identity must be founded and built upon that of Jesus Christ. It cannot be moved or shaken. It must be such, because without time in the Word, without time in prayer, I really am the walking dead. Jesus says we don't live by bread alone but by EVERY WORD that proceeds out of the mouth of God. This is an incredible statement and one that I am realizing more and more the very truth of. Now, you would think a Chaplain would automatically understand this, and let me tell you, it is this fact that drives most into ministry...encounter with Jesus, but through school and schedule time becomes preciously rare and things erode away. Sadly, most pastors don't pray ten minutes a day, much less 10 mins a week. How effective can ministry really be apart from the place of intimacy with Christ? What love can be given, what advice shared, what hope offered?

My prayer is that my roots in Christ would go down deep, that they would fasten me to the solid rock of Christ and that I would be immovable, unshakeable in Him.

In transition, I am also thankful that after our up and coming time in the field, I will be able to FINALLY spend some time with Lauren! It seems like its been forever, and yet, it seems like it hasn't been long at all. Time, Space, and Emotional Ties are interesting items to live with, aren't they?

Well, I have to run. I need to go help a fellow Chaplain secure some items for our up coming time training in the field. As far as the accident goes, I know God is faithful, and I fully expect to recover. As far as Christ goes, my spirit and soul long for the water of Christ, the living Word, and my heart longs for my beautiful wife Lauren, who I CANNOT wait to see!

Thanks for reading.

CH (1LT) Stephens