Friday, November 18, 2022

November 18, 2022

Thou shall not kill. In the movie Hacksaw Ridge, an image of these words strengthened Desmond Doss’s conviction about not taking another person’s life, after almost doing that very thing to his brother. 

It wasn’t until later, when Desmond helped a young man after an accident by placing a tourniquet on his leg and staying with him until he got to the hospital, that he realized he could join the wartime efforts fighting for his country and still remain true to his religious convictions. He gained new insight into the purpose God had for him. 

I have to admit, there have been moments in my life when I faced similar convictions. Those moments are opportunities that God used to strengthen my faith. You have a choice: Will you stay stuck in the trauma? Or will you turn to God and learn to lean in?  

Hebrews 11:1 NIRV
Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.  

Desmond chose to turn toward his purpose and lean in. It wasn’t easy, but he didn’t waver.    

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Desmond held strong to his conviction and fought for what he believed. He felt God was calling him to help put the world back together when everyone else was tearing it apart. He never gave up.

Not when his father discouraged him from joining the Army.

Not when the Army charged him with being unfit for service for refusing to pick up a rifle.

Not when his officers and fellow servicemen disrespected his decision. 

And not when he found himself on Hacksaw Ridge in the bloodiest battle of World War II. The soldiers were ordered to retreat from their position on the ridge during a counterattack. All who could escape did, except one—Desmond Doss. He stayed behind to stabilize the wounded and transfer them down the 400-foot cliff, one by one. 

We have all been called to a common purpose—to spread God’s message of love and hope. Just like Desmond, we don’t know how much time we have left on this earth to accomplish our task. But in order to live out our ultimate calling, we must stand in faith and move toward the purpose and plans God has for us. 

Desmond called upon the Lord in his darkest hour. He prayed, “Help me get just one more, Lord.” He was given the strength to save 75 lives that day! As you and I step into the purpose God has for our lives, trust that he will give us exactly what we need to accomplish it.  

Questions: 

What calling has God placed upon your life? Has it been easy? Has your conviction led you to stand? Were there times you wanted to give up? 

Next Steps: 

Meditate or journal on the answers to the questions above. Share your story to encourage another in their faith walk.  

Text Fiction to 419-419-0707, and join us for a flash fiction story that parallels the theme from this week’s movie.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the pain that teaches me to grow my faith and push my boundaries for your glory. Show me how to encourage others to stand. Open my heart and mind to find the courage I need to live as a follower of Christ. Most of all, Lord, help me to save just one more! In Jesus’ name, amen.