In the Grip of His Hand
Several years ago, I learned the meaning of courage while serving alongside my son, Adam Mathes, who was stationed in Haditha, Iraq. One of the duties for this Marine unit was to locate and destroy IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). They would dig around in garbage cans, kick over cardboard boxes or dig up piles of dirt along the road and hope nothing blew up.
During my brief time in Iraq, I worked as a credentialed journalist and I had to agree to keep protocol, especially with my son. This meant I had to call Adam lieutenant Mathes and he had to call me Dr. Mathes. On one particular day, I had just arrived back at the base from taking part in a patrol with fellow Marines from Adam’s unit. Adam said, “Dr. Mathes.” I replied, “Yes, Lt. Mathes.” He continued, “Can I visit with you for a moment, sir?” I said, “Yes, absolutely, sir.”
Adam escorted me into this room, shut the door and I just knew I was in trouble! He turned around and said, “Dad, my Marines tell me you were just out on patrol. Is this true?” I said, “Yes.” “My Marines tell me they were searching for IEDs. Is that true also?” As I am wondering where this conversation is headed, I said, “Yes.”
At this point, Adam became really serious looking and said, “Dad, my Marines tell me that you were digging around in garbage cans, kicking up cardboard boxes and digging up mounds of dirt in the road looking for IEDs. Were you doing that?” I wasn’t sure how to reply, but I said, “My understanding was that I could do whatever your Marines were doing, so if they were out on patrol looking for IEDs, then that is what I was going to do also because we were on patrol together.”
I don’t know about you, but anytime a parent receives a compliment from their kids, it really hits home. My son then looked at me as a first lieutenant does and said one word, “Courageous.” He then walked out the door and went back to the war.
When I returned home from that trip, many people asked me if I was ever afraid while I was in Iraq. The answer was real simple. When you are in the palm of the Lord’s hand and you are surrounded by United States Marines, there is absolutely nothing to fear. However, I don’t always have the Marines guarding me, yet, I do always have the Lord holding me tight in the grip of His hand.
Regardless of what you are facing today, hold tightly to Joshua 10:25:
“Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.’”
Not many of us have to be concerned about hand to hand combat with our enemies. The battles we fight may include worry, discouragement, fear, despair and sorrow. Take courage today knowing the Lord is holding you firmly in the palm of His hand.
