“Teach me thy way, Lord, and lead me down the right path." ~ Psalm 27:11
When his country called him to battle in 1917, a personal
war raged within 30-year-old Alvin York. He was torn between being a good
Christian and a good American. That was his nation’s fight; the Germans weren’t
his enemy.
He applied for status
as a Conscientious Objector, hoping to avoid armed conflict. After numerous appeals
failed, and in discussions with his pastor, York reported for basic training determined
to pull his own weight, while still holding onto his core Christian values.
As combat training drew to a close, pressure to make his final
decision became unavoidable. Alvin’s commander, a Christian himself, issued the
conflicted Tennessean a home pass and urged him to study the Scriptures
relating to war, self-defense, and obedience.
Back in Appalachia, deep
in prayer and contemplation, he would pray, study, and evaluate the dilemma
between his faith and patriotism. He consulted with religious leaders who
represented both sides of the issue to keep the query balanced. Alvin
studied the Bible and biographies of men who faced similar crossroads. The man
spent hours meditating in solitude, considering what he’d studied and what
others had shared with him.
There in 1918, the dawn’s
silence was shattered by sickening death as German machine guns on a distant
ridge erupted with devastating accuracy. His best friend was killed in the
assault.
Pinned down with 85%
of his comrades dead or wounded, Corporal York summoned his expert hunting
skills to muzzle the Nazi guns.
Racing, crawling, and sneaking
from bush to rock for cover, Alvin crawled up the hill from where the fire originated.
He single-handedly silenced 35 machine guns and convinced 132 German soldiers to surrender.
For his courage, Seargent York received the Medal of Honor.
But what he valued most was knowing that countless men survived because he’d stopped
the killing.
God delivered York from his internal battle so he could
lead others to victory. He’d trusted God to carry him beyond his doubts and
give him the special talents necessary to further His Kingdom. But this story’s
lesson focuses more on making tough decisions.
Rather than asking
“God, what should I do?” York made his own decision based on faith, advice, prayer,
and study. Only then did he listen for God’s confirmation or rejection.
Ultimately, we must
take responsibility for making choices that settle our hearts. Spending time on
His Word and praying can help us recognize God's voice and hear what He has for
our hearts.
Father God, I look to no one else for wisdom
and humbly ask for Your help in making important decisions in my life. Bless me
with our guidance and wisdom so I make decisions that bring glory to Your name.
Amen
