TAKING THE CIVILIAN OUT OF YOU: A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION PART 1: THE JOURNEY BEGINS — A STORY Of TRANSFORMATION

TAKING THE CIVILIAN OUT OF YOU:
 A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
PART 1: THE JOURNEY BEGINS — A STORY Of TRANSFORMATION

2 Timothy 2:3

"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ." 

Life has a way of drilling greatness into those willing to endure.

This is a true story — a journey that mirrors what every serious-minded person must go through to fulfill destiny.

My best friend had just been recruited or enlisted into the Ghana Customs Service. His joy was unmatched; finally, he was stepping into his dream. But that dream would not come easy.

Upon arrival, all recruits or trainees were ordered to board a bus. They thought they were heading straight into the academy grounds. But to their surprise, the bus bypassed the academy, driving miles away.

There, they were commanded to come down — with all their luggage and belongings. No vehicle. No help. Just themselves, their load, and the journey ahead.

They had to walk back to the academy carrying everything they came with — on their heads.

And woe unto anyone who allowed their luggage to fall — severe punishment awaited that person.

Along the way, they weren’t just walking;

They squatted with their loads.

They ran with their loads.

They hopped like frogs ("frogger") with their loads.

Fatigue was no excuse. Complaints were useless.

All that mattered was reaching the academy — still standing, still carrying your load.

When they finally reached the academy gates, it wasn't over yet.

They were made to roll on the ground while water was poured on them.

They did frogger. They crawled. They pressed through endless drills — all under the heavy sun, under strict voices barking orders.

Only after these brutal exercises were they given food.

Then, all the recruits or trainees were gathered at the assembly square, and assigned to their respective rooms — their quarters for the months of training ahead.

When I asked my friend why such intense treatment on the very first day, he smiled and said,

"The commanders told us, 'We are taking the civilian out of you.'"

That one line hit me deeply.

He saw punishment — but I saw preparation.

He felt pain — but I saw purpose.

They weren’t just building soldiers for customs.

They were building mental toughness.

They were breaking wrong mindsets.

They were training guardians who could be trusted to keep the nation's borders safe and sound.

And just like Apostle Paul told Timothy,

"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3)

You cannot enter your next season carrying a civilian mindset.

REFLECTION:

What "luggage" has life placed on your head for your next season?

Are you ready to endure the process without dropping it?

PRAYER:

Lord, prepare my heart for the journey ahead. Take out every civilian attitude from me.Train me into a vessel fit for Your higher purposes. Strengthen my body, my mind, my spirit, my relationships, and my finances for the mission ahead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This week, choose one area of your life (spiritual, physical, mental, social, or financial) and commit to carrying your load well.

Stop shifting blame.

Stop making excuses.

Take ownership — no matter how heavy it feels.

Your destiny depends on your ability to carry responsibility with endurance.

Coming Up Next:

Part 2: The Discipline of Carrying Your Load — No Excuses, No Complaints

📌Let’s Talk:

What has this series on Taking the Civilian Out of You meant to you so far? Which part spoke to you the most, and how has it impacted your journey? Share your thoughts, testimonies, or questions—we grow better together.

Thank you!

Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

EL-PJ (God's Penman)