On February 19, 1945, the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima bore witness to one of the fiercest battles in World War II.
The barren land, seemingly insignificant, became the stage for a struggle that would test the endurance, bravery, and determination of soldiers on both sides.
For days, the island echoed with the roar of gunfire, the cries of wounded soldiers, and the relentless determination of men who fought for their nations.
On February 23, a historic moment emerged from the ashes of war. U.S. Marines raised their flag atop Mount Suribachi, symbolizing hard-won victory and stirring hope in the hearts of millions.
As we reflect on the sacrifice and bravery of those soldiers, we can draw powerful spiritual lessons for our lives as Christians.
The Battle of Iwo Jima is not just a tale of historical significance; it is a vivid metaphor for the spiritual battle we face daily.
Called to Be Christian Soldiers
In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul exhorts Timothy, saying:
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
This verse challenges us to see ourselves as soldiers in God’s army. But not just any soldier—we are called to be good soldiers. Let that sink in.
A good soldier is brave, disciplined, and wholly committed to their mission. When U.S. Marines stormed the shores of Iwo Jima, they did so knowing the cost.
They were up against a fierce enemy entrenched in hidden tunnels and fortified positions. They understood that the battle would demand every ounce of courage and strength they had.
As Christians, our calling is no less significant. The battlefield may not be a desolate island, but it is just as real. We are engaged in a spiritual war—a fight against sin, the temptations of the world, and the schemes of the devil.
Endure Hardship
Paul didn’t mince words: hardship is expected. Being a Christian is not for the faint of heart. Just as the soldiers of Iwo Jima knew the battle would be grueling, we must recognize that following Christ requires endurance.
But here’s the thing: hardship is not the enemy. Hardship is the training ground. It’s where faith grows stronger, character is refined, and dependence on God becomes unshakable.
Let’s be honest—enduring hardship is uncomfortable. Who wants to face trials, rejection, or persecution? Yet, these moments reveal where our true allegiance lies. Are we soldiers of Christ, or are we just bystanders hoping for a smooth journey?
Victory Through Christ
Here’s the good news: we don’t fight alone, and the outcome of this war is already determined. Yahshua (Jesus Christ) has overcome the world. He declares in John 16:33:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Pause and let that truth sink in. The battle may rage on, but victory is assured.
God cannot lose. He never has, and He never will. The question isn’t whether God will win. The question is: Whose side are you on?
The Key to Winning: Let God Fight for You
When the Israelites faced insurmountable odds, God reminded them through Moses:
“Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4)
This promise still holds true. Yet, how often do we rely on our strength instead of God’s? We fight battles with our limited resources, stressing ourselves to the brink of exhaustion.
Friend, hear this: If you’re worn out and ready to give up, it’s time to stop fighting in your own strength. Let God fight for you. When we surrender our battles to Him, we tap into a power far greater than our own.
Staying Focused on the Mission
In warfare, distractions can be deadly. Soldiers on the battlefield don’t have the luxury of worrying about trivial matters. Their focus is survival and victory.
Paul reminds us:
“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:4)
Look at your own life. What distractions are weighing you down? It could be outright sins, but it might also be neutral things—jobs, hobbies, relationships. These aren’t necessarily bad, but when they consume us to the point that we forget our calling, they become entanglements.
Here’s the heart of the matter: Our ultimate goal is to please Yahshua, who enlisted us. When our lives revolve around pleasing God, everything else falls into place.
Fighting With the Right Motivation
Let’s ask ourselves a hard question: Why are we fighting?
Are we striving for personal gain, recognition, or comfort? Or is our deepest desire to please God?
When we fight for the applause of people, we’ll burn out. But when our motivation is to glorify God, we’re fueled by something far greater. This shifts the way we approach spiritual battles. We no longer fight out of fear of failure but out of love and devotion to the One who called us.
Practical Ways to Fight the Good Fight
- Strengthen Your Connection With God
Spend time in prayer, study the Scriptures, and seek God’s presence daily. A soldier who neglects their training is unprepared for battle. - Put On the Full Armor of God
In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul describes the spiritual armor God provides. Each piece—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—is essential for standing firm. - Identify and Remove Distractions
Ask yourself: What’s pulling me away from my calling? Take steps to declutter your spiritual life. - Surround Yourself With Fellow Soldiers
Soldiers don’t fight alone, and neither should you. Be part of a community of believers who encourage and strengthen you in the faith. - Trust God With the Outcome
Victory isn’t about winning every skirmish; it’s about staying faithful. Trust that God will bring the ultimate victory in His time and His way.
Fight the Good Fight
Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:12 echo across generations:
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
The battle of Iwo Jima reminds us that victory often comes at a cost. For the Marines, it required courage, sacrifice, and determination. For us as Christian soldiers, the cost is surrender—laying down our will, our fears, and our distractions to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
The reward, however, is immeasurable: eternal life with our Savior.
Friend, the battle is intense, but the victory is worth it. Stay focused. Stay faithful. Fight the good fight. And when the dust settles, may you be found standing on God’s side, rejoicing in the triumph of the King of kings.
Let’s go forward together, as soldiers of Christ, pressing toward the ultimate victory.
