Start Now
Though I was not yet excited about Alaska, I was thankful to finally be through with all of the continuous harassment and 'head games' that were part of basic training. I thought, "Now we'll finally be treated like men." Imagine my disappointment when at my first meeting with my Platoon Sergeant he lectured me for nearly 2 hours in what he called 'preventative counseling.'
He had seen that I had a college degree and wanted me to know how much he hated college boys. To add a little perspective, I had graduated with the highest physical fitness score, the highest rifle marksmanship score, and the highest Advanced Infantry Training score in my company of 212 soldiers. I was the 'Honor Grad' and speaker at our graduation. It would seem that an infantry unit would have been glad to have me. That was not my experience.
After about a month of continuous abuse, I stood outside the 1st Sergeant's office at 'parade rest' hoping that he would allow me to speak with him. When he finally acknowledged me, I explained my situation and asked to be reassigned to a different platoon. After thinking for a few moments he said, "Rudy, since you're new here, I guess we can give you a second chance." I replied, "First Sergeant, I'm not looking for a second chance. I'm looking for a FIRST chance."
One of the beautiful things about our Christian faith is that what God forgives He also FORGETS. This means that we are continuously given a NEW chance to make things right- to make changes- to live the RIGHT way- no matter what we have done in the past. Because we remember our own sin, we talk about 'starting over.' God doesn't think of it that way.
He just sees us 'STARTING'- starting to live a new life- starting to walk in obedience- starting to truly experience what it means to be a child of God. Friends, no matter what you've been through, no matter what you've done or what has been done TO you, God offers a NEW start- a NEW chance for you to live an INCREDIBLE life. Start now, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on August 5, 2025
Posted in Daily Devotions