Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
June 12, 2002
Randall Caselman
Total Victory
It was cold at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777, and George Washington had led over 10,000 troops into this Pennsylvania valley for the winter. It was brutal! The weather turned from bad to worse. But what really hurt was when area farmers decided to sell their foodstuffs to those who could pay more than General Washington. The scarce clothing, which was tattered and worn out, could not be replaced. Shelter against the elements was inadequate. By spring, 3000 men had died; but with spring came a new breed of American soldier; a hardened, refined, disciplined, patient warrior who would settle for nothing less than Total Victory!
Meanwhile the British spent the winter in cozy, well-supplied quarters in Philadelphia. General Washington and his men were patient, trained, committed and willing to wait. In the spring of 1778, Washington won a stunning victory over the British at Monmouth, New Jersey.
There is an interesting verse in John 15 (verse 2). "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." The Greek word for purgeth is kathairo. It means to "trim clean." It is used only twice in the New Testament, once here, and once in Hebrews 10.2 where it speaks of the cleansing power of Christ's "once for all" sacrifice. Here is the thought... God at times trims, cleans, purges, prunes productive branches so that they can bear more fruit.
Moses was "trimmed clean, purged, pruned" of all that would inhibit him from being a meek, courageous, patient, faithful leader. Some things in his life with Pharaoh had to be removed. Note this... It took 40 years to purge, cleanse and prepare Moses for leadership.
Then there is David. He waited 20 years from the time of Samuel's anointing before he could take the throne. Not all of his life would be spent on the spiritual high of the day when he killed Goliath. I wonder if we can be that patient? Before we answer too quickly, consider what David was doing in those 20 years. For much of this time he was "on-the-run" from the relentless pursuit of King Saul and his militia men. David frequently despaired of life. Without shelter, he lived in caves, went without food; seemingly alone, without friends. David experienced many Valley Forges. God was preparing, cleansing, and working His wonders in the life of this shepherd boy and future king. Making him over for the day when he could produce even more fruit for God. Listen to the man pruned by God..."Wait upon the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in time of trouble."
What kind of Valley Forge are we experiencing today... Right now? Is it cold? Is our strength running out? Patience getting thin? Did someone we trust sell us out to the highest bidder? Is it possible that disappointment is being piled upon disappointment? Have some of us lost that which we considered most dear? God prunes, cleanses, reforms, remolds and remakes us into the person He can use. Are we learning from the process, or are we angry because of it? God help us to be like David and "wait on the Lord." Help us to truly live the song we sing:
Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way.
Thou art the Potter; I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Search me and try me, Master today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence, humbly I bow.
Hold o're my being, absolute sway!
Fill with Thy spirit till all shall see,
Christ only, always, living in me.
Perhaps Paul said it best in Romans 8… "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us... And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8.18, 28 NIV).
Lord, purge me, cleanse me, refine, remake, and remold me... Create within me a true soldier who will settle for nothing less than
Total Victory.
RANDALL CASELMAN
