To say God has interesting ways, is to put it mildly. From my perspective looking back over my 78 years, I am fascinated by how God has moved me, other people, and situations to orchestrate His Plan. It was June of 1993, nine months before I would understand, when I suddenly developed a desire to read a Proverb each day. Along with the desire to read Proverbs, I started reading & subscribing to Civil War magazines & books about how ordinary people did extraordinary things in the heat of battle. The question that lingers to this day, “How does a leader motivate people, when the risks are so grave…to ‘Stand At All Cost’”?

It was April, 1994 when I recognized this sudden reading appetite did not “just happen” but was God’s strategic way for Him to shape my thinking & how I would respond when the doctor said, “That’s your right kidney, and that’s cancer!” As I stood there, I remember this single word that flooded my mind & heart, “Wisdom.” This is not how I thought I would respond…how it would shape my thinking. That was my first indicator, this is not normal.

Over the next week & half before surgery I had many conversations with God. One was about me carrying His “Battle Flag.” I said, “God, I don’t want to carry the flag. The flag carrier does not get to shoot the gun and most of all, the enemy can see the flag in the dust & smoke and aim below the flag & shoot. No, let’s get someone else.” I knew the significance of the battle flag…it was the rallying point… it represents the “why” you are in the battle. I also knew the fatality rate. And then God said, “Robert, you are carrying My flag.”

This brought me back to Joshua Chamberlain at Little Round Top, Gettysburg. Of Chamberlain’s original 1,000 men, only 386 (Google) survived before the charge. Many of the men had no ammunition and they were heavily outnumbered when Chamberlain order, “Fix Bayonet” and “Wheel Right” (Charge). So down the mountain went these 386 men facing 3 times the enemy force. The picture is a painting, with the flag, from that moment. This is the image God gave me, “Fix Bayonets & Charge.”

There are many similarities in these two battles. The odds were heavily stacked against us. We both really had no bullets. We both obeyed. God prevailed in the day of battle. We were both Blessed.

Also, the Holy Spirit recalled a scripture that He used to encourage me every day. It was when the Disciples, fearing for their life during a storm on the Sea of Galilee saw Jesus walking by “On” the sea. The exchange is incredible. Jesus said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.” Matthew 14:27

The storm was as real as rain! What Jesus asked Peter to do did not make sense. But the “Truth” that I recognized was, “Never Take Your Eyes Off Of Jesus, Never!” I recognized I had no control over my medical situation, but I did have control over my Spiritual situation. I had control over my focus…my trust.

Storms are real. Storms are scary. Storms can be painful & costly. I encourage you to prepare before the storm comes by searching God’s Word for His Promises. This weekend the TV weather people kept advising people in the storm track, “Go to your safe place!” Do you know your safe place? Have you got it ready? This verse is my safe place, Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28