Chapter 6
"This Chapter is dedicated to Brent Patno. A true warrior for our country. And one of my best friends that the Lord Jesus has graced my life with." Thanks for looking out for me Brent. In Christ Al"
The Eyes of a Soldier
I wonder what truly goes through the mind of a soldier. From the day he chooses to enlist to the first time a bullet flies inches from his head does he really know what lies in store the day he signs those papers to defend our country. Another tour, another battle, another sacrifice that only he and his fellow comrades can truly understand and comprehend. Some people see things in life that are unbearable. They have the fortune or misfortune to live through these times and to carry on and do the best that they can. But I believe none sees more than a soldier who has served in combat. Yes, it is he and only he, that knows the true horror of the casualties of war. From the moment his feet land from the chopper on enemy lands not knowing if his next steps will be his last life takes on a new meaning and purpose. Sometimes I look at my three sons and I pray for peace and that war would come to an end. I cannot imagine the horror the mothers and fathers of these people who serve feel everyday while their child is away fighting in some far away land. They must think to themselves of when their babies were small and use 
to stay cradled in their arms. It was so much easier then. They could protect them and keep them safe from this un-kind world. But now as their child dodges machine gun fire and mine fields all they can do is wait. Wait until they return home, hopefully in one piece to a parade and hosts of yellow ribbons that bring a day of celebration but more importantly relief. Yes as I sit here tonight writing this for you my heart, if I allow myself to be honest, hurts most for the ones who are left behind to wait. War is necessary the Bible says. The 1960's rock group the Byrds wrote a number one song that was taken from the Word of God, in Ecclesiastes 3. It went something like this . "There is a season turn, turn, turn. A time for war, a time of peace, a time to reap, a time to sow ,a time to love ,a time to hate, a time to live-a time to die... “you know that one right? It stayed at the top of the charts for a really long time in that decade. According to God there is a purpose and there is a meaning for war. If there wasn't the Lord wouldn't have written that there was a time for it in his Holy word. But still when I think about all the men and woman who have died on the battlefields through the history of this earth my heart hurts a little. Knowing and realizing that someone back home received a letter or a visit from a military truck in the 1950's with two grim faced officers stepping out from their government vehicle being the bearers of the most terrible news. That has to be a horrible experience for any parent to see that vehicle coming up your driveway. You hope that your child would be returning early and I'm sure some of those visits of the happy reunion type occurred. But some of the time, no most of the time, it was the beginning of a day that would linger on in the memories forever in those who were left behind. I saw a movie today for the first time in a long while. It was called "Saving Private Ryan." You know the one that starred Tom Hanks. It was the story of a family who lost three of their sons in battle in World War II. Tom Hanks and his platoon were commissioned to go and find the youngest son who supposedly was still alive fighting somewhere on a battlefield. Their mission was to find him through hostile enemy territory amongst thousands of soldiers and bring him back home so that his mother would not lose her entire male offspring to the casualties of war. They do find him, but not without many of them losing their lives on the way to find this fourth Ryan son. Even the main star in the movie, the man played by Tom Hanks , Captain Miller, dies near the end as he whispers something that you can barely hear into the ear of the man that he had found and given his life up for.( “Earn this. Earn it “) A powerful scene follows, as many years later an elderly man in his seventies and his wife and children are seen walking to a gravesite in Arlington cemetery as the gentlemen falls to his knees as he turns to his wife and asks." Am I a good man, did I live a good life?" he asks. She tells him passionately "yes" then turns slowly to their children and grandchildren who are standing behind the two about ten feet away. " Private Ryan then says something like this,” Everyday I tried to live my life to the best, tried to be worthy, knowing what those men sacrificed on that battlefield for me many years ago." Powerful, Powerful, Powerful. Brings me to tears every time I watch it. Private Ryan was haunted by, enslaved and imprisoned by those dying words of Captain Miller. I know some of you today are doing fine. Well, you think you are doing fine anyway. Some of you today are hurting and are in pain. Life, well, it isn't going the way you want it to. And you are hurt and wounded and are in a battle or war of your own. Maybe it is a battle of alcoholism or drugs. Maybe it is a battle of lack of self esteem and self worth. Maybe you are on the verge of committing suicide. I don't know what your war is. I am almost positive that there are those who love you who do not sleep at night worrying if you will be okay. There is always someone who is left behind to worry and pray it seems. But there is also one who sacrificed all for you. His dog tags if he were to have any, well they would read "JESUS 3033" He is the ultimate soldier but unlike the others who also died in battle. Jesus is alive, and His dying words “ it is finished” unlike Captain Millers, provide the victory, freedom, and peace we all are searching for. You may be one who doesn’t really believe a ‘god’ exists, or you may be on the treadmill of Religion, never knowing if you have done enough, measured up, met the standard. You know if you are one of the people today who feel that they need help and are losing their own personal war let me share something with you. There is still hope. All you need is to call out His name and ask Him to be the Lord of your life. Watch how things then will turn around for you. No, life won't be perfect. It's not possible, here in this fallen world, but you WILL have true hope! Jesus is the ultimate soldier, and he wants you to live everyday of your life to the fullest and to the best. He paid the price. He met the standard of perfection required by a Holy God. He laid down His life in exchange for yours! No one gave up more than He. Jesus died for the one's that were murdering him, and that includes you and me as well, so that they one day could have a way to the Father in Heaven and be forgiven. Unbelievable sacrifice, incredible self denial, awesome love. So let me ask you my friend one more thing before I go." Are you living your life to the best today?" Or maybe the question is better asked this way, “ are you living to His best today?” The answer my friend is surrender. Surrender to the One who knows you better than you know yourself, and wants to live His life of victory, peace, joy, and abundance through you, today. How about you? You didn’t asked to be rescued, but God knew you needed a Savior. Will you seek Him today? He has been seeking you also, to bring you back home with Him safely. The Ultimate Soldier. The Ultimate Saviour. Think About it!!!
Al