Rushing In

In Psalm 71, we read about the Lord as our source of strength, in whom we put our trust, whom we regard as our strong refuge:
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame.
2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.

While we are weak in ourselves, we have the capability to walk in His strength.  But, we can only be strong in Him when we empty ourselves of our dependence on ourselves and appropriate what He has made available to us.  He may call us to take extraordinary steps in order to fulfill His will, yet we can be confident that He will empower us to fulfill what He has called us to do.  We can also know that He will give us the courage to take bold steps.

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The apostle Paul gives an exhortation about brave service in 1st Corinthians 16, near the close of the book:
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints--
16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

Worshippers gathered by the scores yesterday at the site of the deadly church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and temporarily bringing this shooting back into national attention.  Churches are evaluating their own security plans, and lawmakers continue to debate the efficiency of new restrictions on guns.  Meanwhile, a clerical error apparently allowed the shooter, Devin Kelley, to obtain the weapons he used or intended to use, despite his dishonorable discharge from the Air Force.

Meanwhile, the heroic efforts of one of the town's residents should continue to be noticed, especially in the season surrounding Veteran's Day, when we do honor those who have given of themselves, enduring extensive preparation so that perhaps they, too, can be involved as a hero.

A ChristianHeadlines.com story highlights the actions of Stephen Willeford.  The story states:

Stephen Willeford’s home and the community there is very dear to him. That was why, when he heard the gunshots coming from the First Baptist Church near his home, he grabbed his gun and ran out the door, looking to protect his friends who were inside the church.

Willeford engaged in a gunfight with the shooter, Devin Kelley. He wounded Kelley who then sped off in his vehicle and was later found dead by law enforcement.

Although Willeford initially believed he had killed Kelley, law enforcement later said they believe Kelley died from a self-inflicted shot to the head.

Twenty-six people lost their lives in the shooting, but the death toll would likely have been much higher if not for Willeford’s bravery.

Willeford is quoted at The Stream as saying, “I think my God, my Lord, protected me and gave me the skills to do what needed to be done. I just wish I’d gotten there faster.”

The Christian Headlines story says that, "Willeford’s friends describe him as a faithful Christian. After the shooting, Willeford was distraught, as were many residents of Sutherland Springs. His friend, John Wood, said he "could use prayer."

Wood said, "That PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is going to be something that’s with him and the whole family for a while,” adding, “He is a blessing to many. They need lots of prayers and blessings to get through this situation themselves.”

Stephen Willeford, even though he denies it, is certainly a hero.  And, we can be challenged to participate in acts of service, sometimes extreme, maybe even life-challenging, in order to help others.  He possessed a tremendous attitude of self-sacrifice, and he was willing to literally give of himself.

On Saturday, and even this past Friday, we honored those who have served our nation - so many have shown themselves ready and willing to place themselves in harm's way in order to defend our great nation.  We think about not only our military, but law enforcement, as well, who are selflessly placing themselves in the position of carrying out that Biblical directive of preserving order - upholding the good and punishing evil.

Now, let's think about our own willingness to give of ourselves...physically or spiritually.  There are battles that are raging all around us - including the battle for the deeply held Biblical principles we all hold dear.  There are moral challenges in our culture, and we face an enemy that is attempting to corrupt our minds and ultimately our actions.  So, some questions for each of us: Are you willing to rush into the battle?  Are you prepared and developing your skills and sensitivity so you could be used of the Lord in a critical time?

Perhaps that will mean being willing to help literally save a life, being placed in a life-threatening situation where people may die.  Or it could be speaking out for someone who is afflicted or downtrodden.  It may mean devoting yourself to intense prayer, clothed in the armor of God and interceding for those who are being threatened by spiritual foes.  In the Spirit, we can be motivated to be ready, "in and out of season," as the Bible says, recognizing that He equips us to be obedient and efficient - not seeking to be heroes, mind you, but exhibiting those characteristics all the same.

And, in the process of protecting the wounded, people may become wounded themselves - that's what Stephen Willeford's friend is talking about.  When we face the injuries of being in the battle, we can turn to the Lord, who binds up the brokenhearted, who is our source of strength, and hopefully to His people, in order to experience the healing and restoration that He wants to bring to those who have stood bravely as His warriors.