By Gillian Bethel
Exhausted, Private Desmond T. Doss sank to his knees on the barracks floor next to his bunk and began talking to God like he always did before sleeping. The day had been overwhelming, and he needed strength to cope with his new, rough companions—their cursing, tempers, filthy jokes, and bullying.
Thud! A military boot narrowly missed his head and landed next to him on the floor.
“Look, guys! We have a Holy Joe in our group!” Raucous laughter filled the room and more boots came flying. One scored a direct hit.
“Oh, Lord,” Desmond prayed silently, “please give me a chance to serve these men the way You would.” So ended his first day in the United States Army, 77th Infantry Division.
In 1942, when Desmond joined the US army, he had a deep personal faith in God and understood that invincible strength came from
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“Hacksaw Ridge (2016),” History vs. Hollywood, historyvshollywood.com.
The Conscientious Objector. Directed by Terry L. Benedict. Cinequest, 2004.
Herndon, Redemption at Hacksaw Ridge (Coldwater, MI: Remnant Publications, 2016).
“This is Your Life—Desmond Doss,” YouTube video.
Gillian Bethel taught college Bible classes for many years. She is passionate about making Christianity practical for daily challenges.