"At Risk " Devotion

For those serving in the military, medical, civil rescue and volunteer capacities.

Ps. 27:3: "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident."

First things first. Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! You are serving all Americans and our Lord by your work, by your courage, by your dedication. You deserve our thanks and our appreciation. You are taking on risks, sacrificing and putting yourself in harm's way on behalf of all of us. And now a short devotion to draw us all closer to our Lord.

A number of years ago, while serving as a missionary, I was trying to recruit a seminary professor from the U.S. to serve the seminary in the Philippines. The situation in the Philippines was not serene or peaceful by any means. In order to instill fear, New People's Army rebels were killing Americans and other Westerners in public every other day. The Philippine government was not strong. Real fear reigned on everyone in the country. I had written to a professor asking him to serve, but I did not hear back. So I called by phone, saying, "We need you - will you come and help us?" His reply was, "If you can guarantee my safety and I will not be endangered or harmed in any way, I will serve." I was so shocked! How can I guarantee something that even our Lord doesn't promise? Needless to say, this individual never ended up serving in the mission field.

David, in our psalm, began this way: "The Lord is my light and salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" He then goes on to declare (and declaring is a good thing), "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." This was no "pie in the sky" statement. David volunteered to help the army when he was a youth. He took risks and served confidently. He personally experienced danger, threat, and war. And, yes, he was a sinner like you and me. He made real serious mistakes and terrible moral choices. Yet he can say, "...whom shall I fear? The Lord is my light and salvation -- I will be confident."

Serving often requires risk and exposure. That is why in the story of the Good Samaritan, most of the travelers refused to stop and help. They thought to themselves: "The people who hurt this man may hurt me, too. So I had better keep on moving and not help." Fear is powerful, but it is not the Lord's wish. Jesus said, "Perfect love casts out fear." When you focus on the Lord's love; and you love your fellow citizens who are hurting, you don't think about yourself -- you simply think about them and you serve. Your love for your Lord and the people He created causes you to risk and to show care to those hurting and in need. You see the good Samaritan acting in both love and confidence.

From a certain perspective, there are only two ways to lead your life. One is to survive. It's a lifestyle that looks at one's self and wants to avoid any risk and any exposure to the body and ego. When trouble does come to survivors, one way they react is to talk as though they are victims or fate has dealt them a bad hand. The other way is the the way David chose in his life. It's a bold declaration that says, "The Lord is my light and salvation - whom shall I fear?" This is the way Jesus led His life; but please be warned that it comes with risks. He loved us -- and as He said that, He lived out His love. Jesus risked His life for us, He even gave up His life for us. And in doing so, He won salvation for us and for all people in this world.

Let God's Word encourage you in your service. Listen to your fellow Christians as we tell you sincerely, "Your deeds of love and service are needed and appreciated." May you have the confidence that David had, as you serve our country. As to fear, there will be temptations telling you not to risk - not to serve - to simply try to survive. But when those times come, remember David's words: "The Lord is my light and salvation -- whom shall I fear?" As you serve, build up one another with this good news so that everyone around you can serve with confidence rather than in fear. And thanks again for your service; we are proud of you!

By Dr. Walt Winters, Director of Intenational Ministries, Lutheran Hour Ministries.