James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
A new World War II movie is expected to premier in America in early November – Hacksaw Ridge. The movie will highlight the courage of Desmond Doss, a member of the 307th Infantry Regiment at the end of World War II as it fought for control of Okinawa. Doss’ stellar service saw him become the first conscientious objector to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor (there have been two others since then).
While I’m sure that Hollywood will highlight Doss’ objections, I hope they will be honest enough to discuss the strong Christian faith that prompted those objections.
As a combat medic, Doss served bravely and brilliantly. During a particularly intense battle, he tirelessly crisscrossed the bullet-laden battlefield for five straight hours to tend to fellow injured soldiers. He is credited with saving the lives of 75 men in the face of extreme risk.
Days before in a different engagement, Doss insisted that his company prayed before the fighting began. Indeed, they did. During the fighting that ensued, Doss’ Company escaped with no casualties. When his Company Commander was asked for a written report that explained their success, he could provide no earthly explanation. Instead, he offered the simple two-word formal rationale – “Doss prayed.”
Are we praying for God’s protection and provision during our battles? If not, we must! PLEASE EMBRACE PRAYER AS THE PIVOTAL DIFFERENCE IN THE BATTLES OF OUR LIVES AND IN OUR NATION. May our success be attributed to only one thing – we prayed!
SET YOUR ALARM: If you’re ENCOURAGED (that the Hyde Amendment, estimated to have prevented 2 million abortions, turned 40 last week), set your alarm (to pray for our nation)!
