THE CHALLENGE COIN

In about 24 hours everything will change..at least for one guy. His life as a civilian will now be changed to a life in the Army and will then be in training for the officers rank. After that…its considered top secret..no really..I would have to kill someone or maybe the other way around. Either way its still top secret! I’ve shared his story with you in the past but this is a different story. It’s a story about the challenge coin. For those especially in the military it is given by commanders to those recognized members for their exemplary achievements, dedication, and, or service. It has great value because it is not given to just anyone. It has to be earned. Andreas showed me the one he received after speaking at his mens bible study group called “ Iron Sharpens Iron”. I listened to it and was so moved by it. At 24 he has the wisdom, insight, intelligence, and now humility, that could only be God given. He shared that, in order to qualify for the Army, he had to shed 50 lbs, pass all these tests, finish his masters twice as fast, and beat out thousands for the officers position. And I thought losing 20 lbs was an insurmountable feat! And he did…in five months. I asked him who he would give this coin to? And when he told me it made sense. Again, I can’t share this with you because he would kill me! But here is the twist to this story. As I pondered about this coin, God showed me Jesus. You see, as much as this coin represents excellence in the highest order, it cannot compare to what God gave us through His ONLY son. With Jesus God only sees perfection…in us. I was in awe with this analogy because I know who I am….unworthy. It has humbled me to my core that God, my commander, would give me, a sinner, a challenge coin. Like I said before, it isn’t given to just anyone. It has to be earned…and that is what Jesus did on the cross. Just as Andreas accepted the gift of this challenge coin, I would like to reach out to that one person who needs to know they have value, they matter, they are perfect…in Jesus. Accept the challenge coin that only God can offer that will last for eternity. As we say goodbye to Jakes best friend, Andreas, we ask this blessing over his life “ May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace”. With sincerest heartfelt love…Kevin, Jake, and me….