019 - I Found Christ In a Foxhole
As we kick off the second season of Changing, we’re thrilled to welcome Jim Henderson to share his changing experience with Christ. Even when we grow up with Christ in our lives, it can take a specific moment in life to remind us of his importance. This holds for Jim, as he was reminded of Christ’s importance while in the foxholes of Desert Shield.
Jim grew up with Christ in his life.
Jim’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were pastors, so he grew up knowing the value and sacrifice of Christ.
He was never called to be a pastor, so after college, he joined the army.
While he hated his first six years, after gaining rank, he grew into the position.
However, his deployment to Desert Shield suddenly made his theoretical training became real.
Jim’s night in the foxhole:
On January 17, 1991, the rules of engagement changed when President Bush decided to take the metaphorical gloves off.
Jim was in a foxhole at that time, and he and his friend were stationed at an observation post. In that position, you serve as a tripwire - alerting people if and when something happens.
Jim and his friend were doing everything they were trained to do, working to make sure they could protect their brothers and sisters in the event something happens.
While they were preparing, it suddenly dawned on Jim that he hadn’t prayed.
That realization changed Jim’s perspective:
It wasn't that he found God - he just finally remembered where Jim put him. Jim realized that God was always with him, and he had allowed other things to come in and clutter up a space that was his.
When he finished praying, Jim had confidence he’d never known up to that point. Not emotional confidence, but assurance that if he didn’t live to see the sun come up, everything would be okay. Because God had it handled.
He realized that what he’d been concentrating on was religion when the answer was faith.
How do we retain that level of commitment throughout our lives?
Have a daily realization of who you are and what your goals are for that day. More importantly, realize that God is who got you to this point. To be the kind of person God wants you to be, be mindful of who you are and your dependence upon God.
There are things in your life that help you stay where you need to be spiritually or help lead you away from where you shouldn’t be spiritually.
Take life a day at a time. Live your day not regretting yesterday or thinking of tomorrow, but making an effort with today.
To get in contact with Jim, email him at jamesa_henderson@yahoo.com.
MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
