Encouragement
You May Rest Assured
© 2007
by
Stephen A. Peterson
Marine Lance Corporal Tab Hansen, while on his very first combat mission in Iraq, was deeply frightened far beyond his comprehension despite all of the training and support he had received throughout his brief military career. Just ten minutes earlier his Platoon Leader, Lieutenant Courtney Holloway, was shot by a sniper’s bullet meant for him if the Lieutenant did not shield the Lance Corporal. Having cleared the area, a steady stream of helicopters gathered in the area to remove dead and injured Marines. Marine companies were instructed to remain in the area pending order from higher headquarters—a fairly standard Marine procedure following combat action to secure the area.
Not understanding the situation, but sensing its gravity nonetheless, Lance Corporal Hansen huddled alone beneath the shade of a huge palm tree behind a house—until suddenly the quietness seemed overwhelming and he panicked. Crying out in utter terror, Lance Corporal Hansen got on his feet, picked up his M-16 weapon, then ran toward what appeared to be a Christian church. Entering its sanctuary, it seemed gloomy, dark and bleak. Immediately, he felt a warm, familiar hand over his shoulder followed by his re-assuring voice. His Company Commander, Roger Lighty, a veteran of more than a dozen combat missions who likewise sought the solace of the church. As was his habit following any mission, Captain Lighty took time to thank God for his life, health and fellow Marines. Captain Lighty’s presence made Lance Corporal Hansen felt as though no matter what was going on the battle zone, everything would be alright. For Captain Lighty was a man of outstanding leadership skills that Marines in his Company as well as the adjacent Companies and Battalion came to recognize and understand.
To this day, it was not the heat of combat, the injury to his Platoon Leader, or the sound of incoming helicopters Lance Corporal Hansen most recalled. It was the memory that his Company Commander, Captain Lighty was with him at a time of his deepest emotional and spiritual need. He heard the Lance Corporal’s prayer as he followed him to the church and prayed with him. This gesture removed his fear for the moment.
Everyone, regardless of their condition, can have the same assurance from God. You who read this little story may be crying out for comfort and peace in your personal combat with hatred of another, lust, unjustified anger, greed, or an unwillingness to forgive another of their wrongdoing. Will what burdens you be immediately and completely eased? Not always! But the blessed assurance promised and granted by Jesus Christ Himself is His binding contract to humankind that He is with you. Therefore, you are never alone. Jesus Christ, your Brother, is always present anywhere you are…as you combat and struggle with evil and the evil one
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