"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Marching On
Bill Brinkworth
In respect to the many unidentified, fallen soldiers, there is a monument to their honor at the Arlington National Cemetery. It is the Tomb of the Unknown 
Soldier. There, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through all weather conditions the elite guards of the 3rd U. S. Infantry watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Many visitors go to watch the precision of the guards, especially at the time of the changing of the lone guard. It is a precision exchange of the patrol. During once such change, the relief Commander, who was inspecting the weapon of the Tomb Sentinel, dropped the weapon for a split second. During that time, the bayonet speared through the Sentinel’s shoe. Both, trained to be respectful and to finish their task, never let it be known what had happened.
A bystander’s filming of the event showed the quick slip and a quick grimace on the soldier’s face as his foot was pierced by the sharp blade. As the Commander regained control of the weapon, the exercise was continued. Most did not know what had happened, as the two soldiers continued.
Their duty was completed, rhythm was never lost, and the two continued with their task. They marched on. Except for the blood from the one man’s foot injury and a quick grimace, bystanders never knew what had transpired.
The same should be said of faithful believers. They may face trials, tribulations, and tremendous testing, but their testimony should still be upheld; and their mission should be continued. They have a hope and guidance no matter what befalls them. With the confidence that whatever happens in their life, no matter what pain, suffering, stress, or discomfort they face, they are on the winning side and will ultimately be victorious.
I have been at a funeral where a wife had lost her husband of 50+ years. There was peace in her handling such a tremendous loss, and her biggest concern that day was more for the hardships of some that gave her their condolences than her own loss. She marched on.
In the hospital room of a man suffering the ravages of a dreadful and sometimes painful disease, the godly patient was more concerned about the hardships an unsaved hospital roommate was facing than his own. He was more burdened for the soul of the lost person than his own difficulty. He marched on, and his anguish was barely noticeable, as he dealt with his trial.
The generosity of the aged woman was tremendous. The one that visited her had tremendous need for her family and out-of-work husband. The widow saw the need and was burdened for her young visitor. She loaded the visitor up with goods she had preserved earlier that year, and many other necessities she found in her mostly empty shelves. She gave just about all she had, and the needy visitor never even knew that she was being given almost the last that the elderly woman had to eat. The aged widow marched on knowing that the good Lord, that had always provided in the past, would again provide in her time of need.
Some Christians go through trials and testing poorly; kicking, screaming, and blaming God the whole time. Others have the confidence that their God knows of their situation, trust wholly in His control, and have peace in their valley of tribulation. When you face difficulties, do you trust that God’s grace through the trial will be enough, or are you a “kicker and a screamer”? Are you a good testimony for the cause of Christ, or not? Do you march on to complete your task, no matter what is going on in your life?
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Cor 12:9-10 Also: I Peter 4:14.
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.” — D. L. Moody
This article was featured in The Bible View #618.