The Soldier who Lost His Glasses
One of my sons recently shared with me a story about a young soldier he met in Iraq. One of our sons, Jaime, was a Sergeant and platoon leader on a base in Iraq a number of years ago. Jaime would sometimes workout late in the evening and on this occasion had gone to the showers before bed. There was a relatively young soldier that he noticed would take his shower alone late. Jaime figured he was probably shy about showering with everyone, being a new recruit.
Jaime said hello and the soldier was not sure who it was but guessed from the sound of his voice, “ Is that you Sergeant Padilla?”
“Yes. Can’t you see me?”Jaime replied.
No, sir.”
“Why is that?” Jaime asked.
”My glasses broke,” he replied.
“Well, we need to do something about that,” Jaime said kindly, “you can’t be going out on patrol not being able to see!”
It turned out that the soldier had not said anything to his squad leader, probably from embarrassment. On the other hand, he wondered if it was possible that he broke them himself so he would not have to go out on patrol. Going out on patrol would put the young soldier in the line of fire for the first time.
In any case, Jaime, being friends with the young man’s squad leader made sure the situation was taken care of. He also inquired about how the young recruit was faring in the squad and shared his concerns for him. Later on, it was discovered in his things that he had a “kill list” (list of those he wanted to murder) for his fellow soldiers and his officers. Jaime was one of the few not on that list.
Fortunately, the situation was addressed and the soldier was released from the service without incident. No doubt that lives were saved.
Just as a shepherd watches over his flock and is always watching out for their interests, Jaime had a merciful and kind heart for this soldier. In a sense, he possibly saved him and probably many others from a terrible tragedy.
We must all remember to be on the alert, remain in prayer, and listen to God’s speaking. Many times lives are hanging in the balance around us – and we are sleeping. Unless our ears are attuned to Him, moment by moment, how will we be confident that we are not missing a critical moment in someone’s life. On the other hand, if we are constantly asking, seeking for God to be establishing in us, His perfect will, will He fail us? We are constantly encouraged, exhorted, to be “on the alert, praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18).
I have made more than my fair share of failures in this area. I seek the Lord to help me do better. Lord, help us to be made adequate, day by day for all those stewardship that are around us. If anyone is in our path, it becomes our stewardship. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Lord open our eyes to see those around us. Help us to be listening for Your voice, seeking to know what You are doing.
This challenge need not be burdensome or overwhelming, even though it is far beyond our capacity. As we learn to rest in Christ, call upon His name how to be inheriting Christ’s life, day by day, we are made able to “do all things,” in fulfilling the perfect will of God by the power of Almighty God. (Phil. 4:13; Rom 12:2) This is the greatness of our gracious Savior! He is the Good Shepherd.
Every one of us who has truly learned to abide in Him is truly, “a shepherd of His flock.” (Jn. 10:2,9.)
