THERE ARE BLESSINGS IN HARD JOURNEYS
Although the memories are old, I can easily remember why I
disliked my time in the US Navy. The worst part were the weeks at sea, being away from home and from my new bride (during 1976, our first year of marriage, I was only home 62 days). In addition to being away from home, when we were underway, I was surrounded by godless men who were constantly mocking my faith and my desire to live a righteous life. The living quarters were tight, and it was impossible to find any space to be alone. It was also uncomfortable: airplanes landing at all hours just above my living and working space, a rack (my bed) which was too short, and just inches away from other sailors, and a stench I never got used to. As I write this I can think of more, but you get the idea. For me, getting out of the Navy was, without question, the easiest decision I have ever made.
As much as I hated my time in the Navy it was an invaluable experience for which I am grateful. Because of my time in the Navy, I was able to obtain a bachelor’s degree in theology and graduate debt free. The VA helped me to buy my first house, and yesterday I received a $25 discount on all my groceries. However, more valuable than the tangible benefits I received were the intangible lessons I learned which have shaped my life: how to work with difficult people, take orders, do things which are unpleasant, and endure hardship. I also experienced living in Asia, visiting several countries, and got a vision for ministry to the military community.
Hebrews 12:7 says, “Endure hardship as discipline.” In James 1:2-4 , we read “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The Bible teaches that hardship and trials of various kinds are necessary if we are going to live the best life possible, and my Navy experience would indicate that this is true.
Although I had memorized these verses before I had joined the Navy and knew this truth in my head, I didn’t really believe it while I was in the Navy. I had a very bad attitude and complained constantly. My Christian friends would tell me I needed a better attitude, and I would tell them, “I will get a better attitude when I get out of the Navy.” I very much regret my negative attitude during this time in my life, and if I could do it over, I would want to internalize what the Bible says about hardship and trials.
THERE ARE ALWAYS MORE HARD JOURNEYS
Of course, getting out of the Navy did not eliminate all the trials in my life; there have been others, and I am currently experiencing a very difficult season in my life. My wife of 47-plus years, who I love to the moon and back, is fighting cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. I won’t list all the ways this hardship is impacting both of us, but it won’t be difficult for you to imagine that across a number of different areas this is really hard.
However, I am committed to not making the same mistake I made four decades ago. I want to believe that Debbie’s suffering, as well as my own, is going to work for our good and God’s glory. I also want to enjoy all the good things that are part of this journey. If I look, it is easy to find blessings in this adventure. For example, I am able to spend a lot of quality time with Debbie, we have made friends at the cancer center and Willy Nelson has developed quite a ministry to the other patients and the staff. Finally, we have been able to deepen our friendships with our community in Denver.
I was happy when I got out of the Navy, and I will be happy when this journey of chemotherapy is in the past. But while I am in the middle of it, I am committed to believing God’s Word; not only in my head, but in my heart as well.
Today I pray that whatever trials you are going through, and I know ALL of you are experiencing some kind of trial, you would draw near to God and believe his promises–not only in your head, but also in your heart.
