February 19 – Strengthened by the Word

Romans 10:17 – "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."

Reflection: A soldier must know his orders. Build your faith by immersing yourself in God’s Word, so that you may obey with confidence.

The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian church in Rome, explaining the foundation of faith and salvation. In Romans 10, Paul emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel so that people can hear, believe, and be saved.

In Romans 10:17, Paul explains how faith grows:

• "Faith comes from hearing the message." – Faith is not something we generate on our own; it grows when we listen to the truth of God’s Word.
• "And the message is heard through the word about Christ." – The foundation of true faith is Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection.

This verse teaches that faith isn’t blind—it is built on the truth of God’s Word, which must be heard, received, and believed.

How This Applies to a Soldier’s Faith

For a soldier, Romans 10:17 is a reminder that faith must be built, reinforced, and strengthened—just like physical and mental training in the military. Here’s how this verse applies:

1. Faith Must Be Developed
• Just as soldiers train daily to stay strong and ready for battle, faith must also be built and reinforced through constant exposure to God’s truth.
• Listening to Scripture, prayer, and studying God’s Word are essential to staying spiritually strong.
2. The Power of God’s Word in Tough Times
• In combat or crisis, soldiers rely on their training to get them through.
• Spiritually, God’s Word provides direction, confidence, and endurance, especially in the face of fear or uncertainty.
3. Faith Comes from Hearing—Stay Connected to God’s Word
• A soldier who stops training becomes weak and vulnerable.
• Believers who stop reading, hearing, and applying God’s Word lose strength in their faith. Staying in God’s Word builds resilience.
4. Sharing the Gospel is Part of the Mission
• Just as soldiers train and mentor others, believers are called to spread God’s message so others can hear and develop faith.
• Every Christian—whether a soldier or civilian—has a role in sharing God’s truth with those who need to hear it.

ENDEX

Romans 10:17 is a soldier’s command to stay in the Word and grow in faith. Just as military training prepares a warrior for battle, God’s Word prepares a believer for spiritual warfare, endurance, and victory. Faith doesn’t grow in isolation—it grows through hearing, trusting, and applying the truth of Christ every day.