Cited in Practical Christianity April 1920, p57 published by the Officers’ Christian Union (now the Armed Forces’ Christian Union).
The War brought home to me as never before, the practical value of Christianity, especially in the matter of prayer, which acquired a new and very real value as I learned to pray definitely for definite needs.
I would quote the following experience to bear this out: There came a time in the year 1918 when the strain of war was beginning to have its effect on me to such an extent that, in common with others engaged in the same work, I felt that I had nearly reached the point of collapse. I was told that the only way to carry on was to take alcohol to deaden the nerves, but I determined that I would sooner break down that adopt such a remedy. As I considered the prospect of a breakdown, I was greatly worried at the thought that it would give occasion for those around to ridicule the Christian life as totally impractical, and that my failure would bring dishonour to the name of Christ. But I was reminded of God’s promise to ‘keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed on Him’ and with this remembrance came a burning conviction that this promise was valid and applicable in my case, even in the turmoil of war; it therefore became my daily and hourly prayer that I might have the perfect peace, that His name might be glorified.
This occurred just after returning from leave, and I had an inexpressible dread of going back to war conditions. The first time I went into action after my return I had an experience I shall never forget. We were being shot at without being able to reply or, in fact, do anything but steam slowly, so slowly, away from the enemy battery – quite one of the most nerve-testing sensations in warfare. But on this occasion, I was possessed by a feeling of absolute confidence and filled with a peace so complete and wonderful that for want of words to describe it, I can only call it ‘the peace which passeth understanding’. I was amazed at the completeness of the answer to my prayer, and as I paced the deck could not refrain from pouring out my gratitude to God.
The experience of that day proved to be no isolated instance, and from that time I was conscious of the same confidence in God’s protection and the same inexplicable peace; so much so, that my temperament was wholly changed, for instead of suffering considerably in anticipation of known dangers ahead – as was my habit prior to this experience – from that day I never felt on pang of anxiety about the future, whatever it might bring, and even the physical symptoms of dread anticipation completely disappeared. But what a fool I felt, not to have availed myself more fully of His promises long before 1918!
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