Trusting God

It was August 1970,
we were in the Phu Loc Mountains of South Vietnam. Our company of Marines had
spent the last seven days and nights searching for a North Vietnamese general
and 150 of his soldiers hiding in those mountains.

We had been out in
“the field” so long that it was time for some down time in “the
rear” and a much needed three-day R&R. Since being assigned to this
unit seven months earlier, I had “walked point” most of my time. So, it
was no surprise to me when my squad leader returned from the Captain’s briefing
and informed me that I would once again walk point and lead the company safely
out of these mountains.

I was so upset and
afraid. I had been the point man too long. Thanks be to God there had never
been any serious injuries when I walked point. The whole company knew that I
had the call of God on my life. They all knew that my mother was praying for me
and them. They considered me to be the company’s lucky charm. That is why they
kept me on point. But despite mom’s prayers, looking death in the face was
stressful and I thought it was time for someone else to have a turn.

So, when the guards
were posted and the camp settled in for the night, I lay in my foxhole and
prayed, “Please God, get me out of this place.” My praying mother had
taught me to call on God when afraid. She said, “When you are afraid, that
is the time you trust him the most.”

With God on our side
and the supportive prayers of those who love us, we can trust that God will
protect us in every situation . . . no matter what issue it involves. Praise
his holy name!

Dear Father, we give
you glory today for it all belongs to you and you alone. Thank you for enabling
us to trust you when we are afraid. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and
courageous today trusting God with your fears,