My Orders Are to Fight

February 19, 2009


Until this week I had never heard of Canadian poet Anges Ethelwyn Wetherald (1857-1940). Here is a short poem she wrote called “My Orders.” It’s a good word for Christians who find themselves in a difficult situation with no quick end in sight. Her words apply equally to someone in a marriage crisis or someone who feels like giving up or someone who just lost a job and now fears what the future may hold. They definitely apply to giving your Christian witness in a situation where others oppose your faith. 

Here is God’s word, put simply. In every situation, our orders to fight. We are called to serve the Lord as best we can in every situation and then leave the results with him.

MY orders are to fight;
  Then if I bleed, or fail,
Or strongly win, what matters it?
  God only doth prevail.

The servant craveth naught
  Except to serve with might.
I was not told to win or lose,–
  My orders are to fight. 

Do you have any thoughts or questions about this post?