The Greatest WarriorSample

From Death to New Life

Phil Downer

Machine Gunner, Corporal, USMC

We were ambushed during a search and destroy assault and it was a kill-or-be-killed battle. 

My buddy, John, was a machine gunner, which was always the first target. We charged across the open rice paddy as bullets rained down on us. I hit the deck to return fire as a bullet ripped through my pack. Then I felt a heavy weight – John lay dead on top of me. 

I felt like someone had ripped my stomach out. 

When I came home, I met Susy in college and we were married. I began to hope the internal scars from my combat were going to leave me forever. But they didn’t.

I wanted to be kind and nurturing to my wife, but my nightmares each night and the scars in my heart left me tense and angry. I took out my pain on the one I loved most.

Susy began studying the Bible with another woman and convinced me to attend a meeting where a Christian man shared his story. It wasn’t what I expected.

I realized Jesus’ taking my place in death through His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection allowed me to enter into new life. I began meeting with a man who introduced me to the Bible and led me to passages such as:

“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” – 1 John 5:11,12, NIV

I wanted this life. I decided to follow Jesus and give him control of my life.

When God raised Jesus Christ from the grave, He conquered the powers of sin and death. And now, all who are willing to accept this gift of new life that Jesus offers can step from death into new life in him.

PRAYER: I want eternal life too, Lord. I want to follow You. I give You control of my life and ask that You would lead me out from death, into new life.