By Sheila Barnett
Philippians 4:13 (LB) “For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”
One of the most amazing accounts of survival and overcoming adversity from World War II is the true story of Louis Zamperini (1917-2014). Louis served as a bombardier in the US Army Air Corps. On May 27, 1943, the B-24 carrying Louis and 10 other men crashed into shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean. Only Louis, Russell Allen Phillips (the pilot), and Francis McNamara (the tail gunner) survived. Drifting on a life raft, the men sustained themselves on raw fish, raw seabirds, and rainwater. They were fired upon by enemy planes flying overhead. After 33 days at sea, Francis died. On their 47th day at sea, having drifted 2,000 miles, Louis and Russell were picked up by a Japanese ship. Both men were subsequently imprisoned in a series of POW camps, where they were starved, beaten, and tortured. Louis, as a former Olympian distance runner, was singled out and subjected to particularly cruel treatment by one of the prison guards. Louis endured these incredibly harsh conditions for 2 years. In September of 1945, after the war had ended, Louis was freed and returned to the United States.
The apostle Paul was also no stranger to enduring adversity. During his 35-year ministry, the Bible tells us that Paul was arrested and imprisoned on more than one occasion. He also faced life-threatening situations. In 2 Corinthians 11:25 (NIV), Paul writes, “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea.”
What did Paul learn from all of these experiences? The answer can be found in the New Testament book of Philippians. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi while imprisoned in Rome. Although he was enduring his own hardships, Paul’s words were an encouragement to the believers in Philippi, because they were also facing troublesome circumstances. Paul shares his “secret to contentment in every situation” in Philippians 4:11-13 (LB): “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me strength and power.”
We learn from these verses that Paul’s spiritual contentment came from Christ’s power and strength within him. Paul was able to endure all circumstances because he found joy in his personal relationship with Jesus, no matter what was happening to him.
Understandably, after he was back home, Louis Zamperini suffered constant nightmares and depression from his ordeal during WWII. Louis turned to alcohol and entertained thoughts of returning to Japan and murdering his cruelest guard. One night in 1949, Louis attended a Billy Graham crusade in Los Angeles and gave his life to Christ. He went home, poured all his alcohol down the drain, and never experienced another nightmare. Louis did go back to Japan, but had forgiven his captors and shared the gospel with them. All but one gave his life to Christ after hearing Louis’ testimony.
Like Paul, Louis needed Christ’s power and strength in his life to find peace from the extremely difficult experiences that he endured. And by faith, we who belong to Jesus can find joy in our relationship with Him when joy cannot be found in our circumstances. Spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and thinking about God’s good gifts are ways that can help us experience peace, joy, and contentment. Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi with these words: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4: 4-9, NLT)
Do you need God’s peace in your life? If so, give your life to Christ and have a personal relationship with Jesus as your Savior. You can do that right now by accepting God’s gift of forgiveness from sin. Simply say this prayer: “Dear Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I ask for your forgiveness. I know that You died of the cross to forgive my sins. I know that You rose from the dead to conquer death for me so I can live with You forever. I receive You into my heart and life.” If you have received Jesus as your Savior, please contact Pastor Dan at dan@cascadiachurch.org for free information to help guide you in your new life with Jesus.