Having your spiritual radar up in constant anticipation of His presence- even in the midst of the joyful chaos and regular rhythms of your everyday living- is paramount in hearing God, because sometimes the place and manner you find Him is the least spectacular you’d expect. -Priscilla Shirer
Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during World War II. Unlike most conscientious objectors however, he decided to volunteer and serve his country. Many considered him a fool for joining the army but refusing to fire or even carry a weapon. But Doss felt God called him to serve and to save lives not take them.
Before even reaching the battlefield of WWII, Doss would endure the scorn of his fellow soldiers. It was believed that he had no place in the army as a CO. Being assigned to the infantry rifle company did not help matters. He was criticized and court martialed by the very nation he sought to defend. In spite of all this he maintained his belief that God said you shall not kill. He also believed God called him to defend his country by saving lives as a medic.
John 15:12-13 says “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” The movie depicts the struggle Doss endured to remain in God’s will. Even when everything in life came against him and it seemed the God’s commands made no sense, he stayed true to his convictions.
Today, staying true to ones convictions is becoming increasingly difficult. The graying morality, the everyday problems in life, and the peer pressure of fitting in makes it difficult to stand on faith. With the busyness of life enveloping every moment of our existence, it is difficult to even hear God’s voice. We assume it will be a bold proclamation from heaven, or an undeniable miracle or sign. But many times we miss the still small voice of God.
And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12
We may never know the difficulty of being on an actual battlefield, but life itself is a spiritual battle. If we do not learn to listen for God’s voice in times of peace, we will not be able to hear anything when Satan brings spiritual attacks in our life.
Doss knew that God first and foremost speaks to us through his Word the Bible. That was the foundation of Doss’ convictions. When the smaller attacks on his faith came during boot-camp, he was able to stand on that foundation. His practice during the “easier” times in his life prepared him for what to do when the real attacks on his beliefs came.
The real attack on his convictions came not from others and their perception of Doss, but from himself when reality clashed with his understanding. It was not ridicule of his beliefs, but the helplessness of war without a weapon that caused him to cry out to God and question if he was doing the right thing.
As he watched many of his comrades fall in combat, he questioned what it was God wanted of him. “What is it you want of me” he prays, “I don’t understand…I can’t hear you”. It was at this very moment in the middle of the carnage of war he hears a distance voice cry out for a medic. For many of us, the cry of the wounded would be another reminder of the terrible situation we find ourselves in. But for Doss, he realized it was the voice of God calling to him from the very situation he wanted to run from. His purpose and calling was the very pain that made him question his conviction. Because he was able to hear God in the chaos, Doss with renewed conviction breathes “all right” and turns away from retreat and into the smoke filled battlefield.
Because Doss stayed true to God’s calling and listened for his voice in the midst of the chaos, the lives of over 50 men were saved. What situations is God speaking to you in? Are you focusing on your situation, or God’s voice in your situation?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.-Proverbs 3:5-8
God at the Boxoffice 