"a better way"

I was listening to a song "A Better Way by Downhere this morning. I recall listening to this song when the Iraq war was going on in 2007-08. I also was reading an article about Iraq today.

the verse in the song

Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything

And “I love you” could not be said

A better way 

speaks to a scripture that is a sure foundation-

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

A Better Way- Downhere

I'm not alone, I really believe
You never go, You never leave
Here and now, You always stay
“I love you” could not be said a better way

It's everything You've promised
There's no greater love than this
From prophets until today
A man laying down His life for His friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything
And “I love you” could not be said
A better way

I am forgiven, I clearly see
It's why You came to do all you did for me
Trading earth with heaven, You took my place
“I love you” could not be said
A better way

It's everything You've promised
There's no greater love than this
From prophets until today
A man laying down His life for His friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything
And “I love you” could not be said
A better way

Because You redeem, I know what's to come
Everything I could lose here, You've already won
So You have my surrender, with passion obey
“I love you” could not be said
A better way

It's everything You've promised
There's no greater love than this
From prophets until today
A man laying down His life for His friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything
And “I love you” could not be said
A better way

The article in the paper today got me thinking about all the men and women who died in the battle to free the city Fallujah back in 2004 and to the end of the war and how the natural tendency would be for readers to think that it was in vain since the center city has now fallen again.That is exactly what the paper read and it concerned and troubled me.

Iraq city falls 

By Associated Press, Published: January 4

"BAGHDAD — The city center of Iraq’s Fallujah has fallen completely into the hands of fighters from the al-Qaida-linked Islamic State in Iraq and Levant, police said Saturday, yet another victory for the hardline group that has made waves across the region in recent days.

In Fallujah, where Marines fought the bloodiest battle of the Iraq war in 2004, the militants appeared to have the upper hand, underscoring the extent to which the Iraqi security forces have struggled to sustain the gains made by U.S. troops before they withdrew in December 2011.

The upheaval also affirmed the soaring capabilities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the rebranded version of the al-Qaeda in Iraq organization that was formed a decade ago to confront U.S. troops and expanded into Syria last year while escalating its activities in Iraq. Roughly a third of the 4,486 U.S. troops killed in Iraq died in Anbar trying to defeat al-Qaeda in Iraq, nearly 100 of them in the November 2004 battle for control of Fallujah, the site of America’s bloodiest confrontation since the Vietnam War.
Events Friday suggested the fight may have been in vain."

I have always held the view and also today thought that no- this was not in vain and was a worthy cause and that many times in this earthly life we serve and some give their lives that others may live and this is similar to the self-sacrifice of Christ for us and that many gave their last devotion for my freedom, for Iraqi Freedom and we must not forget or let anyone say this was in vain.

Many missionaries have died serving and the thing they know in their heart is that a better , lasting life, will come and that today,our life on this earth, is temporary and not our final destiny.

It is this faith,  to know that what we can lose here Christ has already won.

Additionally, a soldier's resolve to be willing to give their life for a friend or a people is a sacrifice that will be rewarded in this life possibly but surely in the life to come and will never end.

Because You redeem, I know what's to come
Everything I could lose here, You've already won
So You have my surrender,

"In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.(Psalm 37:10-11)

We see through natural means and doubt at times but we have to trust and believe that the words we read in the Bible are true concerning great love for one another and the rewards.

Jesus spoke clearly to us 

" It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (Jon 6:63)

and His blessing then is the same to us today to see be beyond current uncertainty and trust and believe our lives and efforts are not in vain because He  -Because You redeem, I know what's to come

Everything I could lose here, You've already won

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 (Matt 5: 9-10 ESV)