Philippians: 14 Days of Hope and EncouragementSample

As a wedding planner, I have witnessed some memorable moments, but coordinating the wedding of two army soldiers was unlike any other. While serving, the groom had lost both legs, and the bride suffered extensive injuries from which she was still rehabbing. Each almost died of their wounds and used a support dog who was trained, among other things, to alert them if they missed a dose of medication.

After sustaining near-fatal injuries, the soldiers returned home. Their tours of duty caused anxiety, but their families experienced great joy seeing their respective soldier’s homecoming. The battles took much away from the couple; however, as God allowed, the future bride and groom met and fell in love. The wedding ceremony was a time of rejoicing, and the guests shed many happy tears. Imagine: the bride and groom were fellow soldiers, serving simultaneously, risking their lives, but never meeting until after medical discharge.

The Apostle Paul called a man named Epaphroditus a fellow soldier. He almost died in the line of duty, faithfully serving Paul. He brought Paul an offering from the Philippian church, since Paul was most likely in jail or detained for preaching the Gospel. The Philippians, many of whom were retired military men, sent Epaphroditus to serve Paul’s needs, and he became extremely ill. Upon recovery, Paul sent him home to alleviate the distress and concern of family and friends.

Epaphroditus served, sacrificed, and returned home, like the army soldiers who married. Also, like them, we are soldiers for Christ, and we never know how our tour of duty will turn out when we begin. Sometimes God requires great sacrifice. But God also provides great joy.

We are to welcome and honor God’s soldiers. Little is known of Epaphroditus outside this passage, but Paul wrote of him for a reason. Just as he, the bride, and the groom served, so should we in our tour of duty for Christ.

~Carol McCracken

Speaker, Author, Bible study leader