Cody Schlabach

“A Story Of Hope”

“I’ve always desired to do as God asked of me. But we all know that it’s not always easy, and sometimes seems impossible. Sometimes, the easy part is saying yes, and the part that seems impossible is what soon follows.

The Lord asked of me to give up 5 years of my life by joining the United States Army. He somehow gave me a sudden interest in this and a spark of excitement, enough so that I said yes. Soon to follow, was 10 weeks of basic combat training.

There was no encouragement, no hope, no faith. Only pain and hardship. Every time I felt like giving up, I prayed. Every time I felt discouraged, I prayed. I knew, that since this is what God asked me to do, there was no way I could let myself fail. I felt Jesus come with me on every ruck march, every PT test, every field exercise. He was there, suffering along with me.

I overcame pain, humiliation, sleep deprivation, impossible tasks, etc. I’ve never needed to lean on Him so much. I knew that there was a reason I was there, a reason He would allow me to suffer so much. I began to view these 5 years as perhaps a long penance for my sins. Maybe that’s part of it.

Every time I thought about how I left my home, my friends, my family, I would regret my decision. I would become lonely. However, when I reminded myself that it was He who sent me here; it was He who asked this of me; I gained hope, and strength to carry on. 

I still don’t know why I am in the Army, but what I do know is this. God put me here, and so no matter what follows, it is good. Whatever pain, loneliness, suffering, anxiety, and stress. It is good, and I can endure with joy in my heart that I am living my life as God wants it. I can truly do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “

Join us for our Beacons of Hope Series. This new series of testimonies will begin the week of March 30th.