Have you ever sent a message out for help? It may have been a phone call, a text or even the prayer chain email.
Why do we do this?
It is because of the inner need to have someone know where we are in our time of need. As I prepare for the month we celebrate Veterans Day and honor their calling, I came across this story of a desperate cry for help:
On June 2, 1995, Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady was flying an F-16 fighter in NATO’s no-fly zone over western Bosnia. Suddenly a Serbian surface-to-air missile ripped through his aircraft. Reaching for the eject handle he remembers praying, “Dear God, let it work.”
It worked.
Floating down some 26,000 feet, the Serbian soldiers were moving to where he was going to land. O’Grady prayed again, “Lord, let me at least have someone know I’m alive and maybe come rescue me.”
Landing on a hill, O’Grady began his evasion. Bosnian Serbian search parties tried to flush him out by firing rifles into the bushes where he was hiding.
For the next five days O’Grady was constantly praying. He moved from place to place at night, sending out short messages to let others know he was alive. He subsisted on leaves, grass and ants. He caught rainwater in Ziploc plastic bags.
Though he was hungry and cold, he knew that a superpower would be working to save him.
Then, early on June 8, O’Grady’s prayers were answered. He reached a safe place and radioed for help. Headquarters immediately dispatched about forty planes for his rescue.
When the helicopter landed in the clearing near where O’Grady was hiding, he didn’t relax in the brush. He shook off fatigue, fought through bushes and ran to the escape that had been provided for him.
We are often thrust into hostile situations in our own lives, but in each instance the Lord is faithful to provide a way of escape if we only look to Him and take it. We have an enemy who tries to convince us that there is no hope or that there something out there that is better than what God wants for us. Every day we need to remind ourselves that what God is providing is always the best thing for us even when we have to wait for it.
Like Mary and Martha experienced with their brother Lazarus (John 11: 1-44), when our Lord shows up, the true enemy called death cannot stand against the commander and chief of life. Remember, the only cry of help not heard is the one never spoken.
Do you need help today?
It is just a prayer away.
Chaplain Ret. Maj. Daniel Middlebrooks is president and CEO of Comprehensive Chaplaincy Care and Consulting and pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church. For more information, call (813) 767-2082 or email chaplainmiddlebrooks@hotmail.com.
VETERANS DAY EVENTS
30th Annual Veterans Day Celebration
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
WHERE: Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park, 703 N. Wheeler St.
WHAT: Part of the program will consist of students from area schools presenting speeches about “What Veterans Day Means to Me.”
CONTACT: (813) 245-2244
Bryan Elementary Veterans Day Celebration
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10
WHERE: Bryan Elementary, 2006 W. Oak Ave.
WHAT: Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. The celebration for military members is at 8:15 a.m. Call to reserve a space.
CONTACT: (813) 757-9300
Free Bronze Car Wash
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
WHERE: Walden Lake Car Wash and Service Center, 1414 S. Alexander St.
WHAT: Veterans can get a free bronze car wash to honor and recognize those who have served or are serving in the military.
CONTACT: (813) 752-7226
Honor Women Veterans Service
WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
WHERE: Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park, 703 N. Wheeler St.
WHAT: Vice Mayor William Dodson will greet the audience, and the Durant Junior Air Force ROTC will serve as color guard.
CONTACT: Nancy Miller, (813) 754-2544