Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Trusting God

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." (Psalm 56:3 NIV)

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,

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