Prayer in a Burning Tank
Charles Ziers was the new man in a veteran crew. He looked to the old-timers for support in his first action. His sergeant told him, “Ziers, just keep your eyes and ears open and do as I have shown you and you’ll come out on top.”480 These were the last words spoken to him by the sergeant. Ziers’ Sherman tank was part of the leading element in an attack on enemy hilltop positions holding up the division advance toward Cologne. Incoming fire was heavy. Suddenly there was a brilliant flash and explosion, and everything went dark.
Not knowing at first if he was dead or alive, Ziers slowly began to smell gasoline and gun powder. He realized that his tank was on fire and that his fellow crewmen were either dead or gone. He knew that he had to get out of the tank before it exploded, but the barrel of the main gun was blocking his hatch. Bleeding and in pain, the trapped soldier “prayed like never before.”481 Ziers passed out again briefly, and, when his head cleared, suddenly knew he was going to get out of that tank. He said, “Thank you Lord,” and started looking for the way. He finally saw it:
There was a narrow passage of about 2 ft. leading across to the driver’s compartment. If I could fit through that tiny space I would be home free. After many attempts I finally took off all of my clothes… with still no success. The smoke got thicker and I became more desperate. Finally I found a bucket of grease under my seat and smeared it all around the hole. Still no luck. I smeared the rest of the grease all over my body and then somehow with the Grace of God, I was free.482
This story has such an obvious spiritual meaning that it is practically a sermon by itself: if you find yourself in a tight spot, “Pray like never before.” God will show you a way. Unfortunately, we often have to come to our wit’s end to reaffirm this truth for ourselves. We should always remember that God is waiting for us to bring our problems and our crises to him.
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.
—2 Chronicles 20:17