Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

~Luke 18:27 NIV

THE EXPLOSION

 

Explosion, obedience, humility, and a miracle. They all came together for me and William Smith.  

 

William Smith was a police officer in his hometown. He also worked for a private security firm. Consequently, the security job mobilized him to Iraq during the Second Persian Gulf War. In December 2005, a landmine exploded, resulting in William losing both feet. They sent him back stateside with a disability that disqualified him from being a police officer. His plans for his life had collapsed, leaving him with an uncertain future.

And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

~1 Samuel 1:15 ESV

BATTLE OF OBEDIENCE

I heard about Williams Smith’s injuries on Sunday, January 8, 2006, and felt compassion for him. I had never met William. However, I felt the unction of the Holy Spirit to pray for William. As a result, God gave me precise instructions on how He wanted me to stand at the altar. The first step was to take off my shoes and socks. The second entailed walking barefoot to the altar for prayer and asking the pastor to anoint my feet. That’s when the battle began as I questioned God’s instructions.

THE AGONY OF THE FEET

My feet’s appearance appalled me, and I worried about how they would look to others. I attempted to talk God into my plan instead. However, I finally surrendered to God’s will and proceeded to the altar with my ugly bare feet.

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

~Proverbs 22:4 ESV

THE WALK OF A HUMBLE SERVANT

After the pastor anointed my feet, I felt the Spirit’s power so strongly that I fell to my knees. After the prayer for William, I stood and returned to my seat, filled with God’s perfect peace.

God works through humility to bless others like William Smith. Humility is not one of our solid suits. However, it is necessary when we present ourselves before God. Our pride will often get in the way of serving God and others. Therefore, we must walk humbly. I praise God for the miracle that happened in William’s life and the lesson God taught me on obedience and humility.

THE MIRACLE

William Smith received a new pair of feet that allowed him to walk again. He also got another chance to be a police officer if he could pass the Police Officer’s Physical Abilities Test. Doing so included a tw0-hundred-yard run in less than seven minutes and twenty seconds.

In May 2014, William attempted to pass the requirement but fell short by more than a minute. He could have easily quit after that attempt, but he continued to strive toward his goal. On January 8, 2015, he passed the test with twenty-four seconds to spare. On that day, William Smith was reinstated as a police officer, and God taught me a lesson about an explosion, obedience, humility, and a miracle. 

What miracles have you witnessed or read about because of obedience and humility?

Lord Jesus, I pray I will always be an obedient and humble servant for Your Kingdom. I pray that the Holy Spirit will keep me in check as I walk daily with you. Amen

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Explosions, Obedience, Humility, and a Miracle: Ed Chappelle