An American Hero

An American Hero

You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:25-26

Jack was the all-American boy next door. He was captain of the high school football team and well regarded in our town. He had it all and then some.

No one was surprised when he joined the military to fight for our freedom. His blue eyes sparkled with anticipation of helping his country and touring the world in the hope of spreading freedom.

The whole town sent him off with well wishes and prayers for Godspeed to return him home soon, safe, and sound. No one said it out loud, but they all thought that God would certainly protect such a fine young man going overseas for such a gallant cause.

A few months after Jack deployed overseas, a call came to his home alerting his family that Jack’s unit had come under attack, and his vehicle had been hit by a roadside bomb. Word spread fast, and the town pulled together to pray for their hero while awaiting further news.

In the end, Jack made it out, but his entire body was covered in third-degree burns, except for his legs—they were missing. The force of the explosion should have killed him instantly, but God had different plans for this hero. Not only did he survive, but he also recovered. Then one day, he walked into my office.

I recently watched the movie American Sniper, and I couldn’t help reflecting on how war and the threat of destruction affects our soldiers to the very core of their being. So many of America’s finest have returned home with scars—and often the worst scars are ones we can’t see.

But when Jack walked into my office, his clear blue eyes still had the old sparkle. And his question was the same one he’d asked before he left: “How can I help someone less fortunate?”

The town knew that God had been a part of Jack’s life early and often, but now God was with him continuously. Jack is not just our hometown hero; he’s an American hero as well. Though war took his legs and left him with scars, it could not diminish his desire to serve others.

TODAY’S RX

Fear not. Trust God to lead the way.

God, thank you for our servicemen and women who give so much of themselves for our country’s freedom. You’ve blessed them with a sacrificial spirit much like your own, and I pray that I may honor these people and show them the dignity and respect they deserve.