Even Heroes Need Grace: The Story of Scott Smiley

June 01, 2011 by David French

Continued from Page 1

By every empirical, earthly measure, Scott Smiley is a hero. He was a hero before his injury, and he's a hero every day that he puts on his uniform and serves his country. Some would even say that his story represents a "triumph of the human spirit."

But Captain Smiley—he's been promoted since his injury—knows that the triumph isn't of the human spirit, but of the Spirit of God. It is God who lifts him up and sustains him as he walks the path that God has chosen for him.

And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. He had also seven sons and three daughters. (Job 42:12-13)

Scott is a few sheep and donkeys short of Job's total, but he does have two beautiful children, a remarkable wife, a book, and multiple awards. He's also gone skydiving, skiing, and run a triathlon. Scott Smiley is embracing the life that God has given him.

I talked to Scott several days ago and was struck by his humility and lack of bitterness. In the world's eyes, he had a legitimate complaint to make. So few serve, and of those few, fewer still suffer wounds like Scott's.

He didn't deserve blindness.

But Scott understands a fundamental truth—that we don't deserve anything before a righteous and holy God. Instead, we serve.

And few men serve like Captain Scott Smiley.

Page: 2 of 2

6/1/2011 4:00:00 AM

Evangelical

The French Revolution

Military

Christianity

Evangelicalism

more at patheos