Fence at Flossenbürg concentration camp
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18)
In my last blog, I paused my series of prison escapes. The Lord changed my message and had me to share on the subject: “To Serve Man”. In my analysis of this subject, I shared from an episode of The Twilight Zone how important words are, and how to walk in understanding. If you missed it, please check it out; it will help you in your walk with God.
In this blog, we will explore a very popular movie called: “The Great Escape”. This has been one of my favorites and I want to share some Biblical insights on this matter. “The Great Escape” was a movie that was released in 1963. It was a tribute to the fifty prisoners who were shot in cold blood after they were captured by the German Army. It is my prayer that these biblical teachings on this movie, will inspire many to press through obstacles and setbacks. To not give up in your prison of despair, and be able to live for the Lord in victory.
Give Up All Hope.
I compare the Great Escape as a prison of despair. When the Allies were captured, they were told that the war was over and to give up. Unfortunately, many within the camp did not obey that command and tried to escape. My favorite character was Captain Hilts (Steve McQueen). No matter how hard the Germans would try to break him, he never lost his hope to see himself riding into victory in Berlin. When he was sent to the Cooler, he would have his trademark baseball glove. He threw his baseball against the wall, and irritated the Germans.
How about you, Friend, when your back is against the wall? When you feel that you are in a prison of despair, will you lose hope, or will you encourage yourself like Capt. Hiltz? Let’s explore other aspects of this amazing film.
Vision And Divine Connections.
Capt. Hilts never lost hope. In one scene, he and his companions dug a hole underneath the prison to escape. Unfortunately, they got caught and they were put back in the cooler. It seems that the odds were against Hilts until he made a connection with two British Officers. It was at that encounter, that they shared some ideas and made a clever and elaborate plan to escape.
Beloved, God is a God of New Beginnings and Big Visions. While Capt. Hilts was sharing about his plan to escape, the British Officers (who were his fellow prisoners) had a better one in which 250 prisoners would be free. Capt. Hilts thought that it was impossible, but the officers assured him that it could be done. Beloved, your vision may look impossible, but trust in the Holy Spirit, he can make it possible.
Captain Hilts and his fellow prisoners took to planning the escape. They had dug a couple of tunnels around the camp and had code names for them. They were patient and came up with a unique idea on surviving underground by creating a breathing air machine. Brethren, when you have a vision, it is important to consult with God as to the proper timing and plans. It’s also important to hear from God concerning divine connections. God will put in your path people who will make your vision possible. Pat Robertson was sent to Virginia with just $70 dollars by God’s direction. He had a vision. As he stepped forward by faith, he got connected with key people who helped him. In time, he built up a successful Christian ministry which is still active to this day called the 700 club.
Whether it is for Ministry, Personal or Business, God wants to give you a vision. A vision will precede your calling in life. Tyler Perry is another example: He was homeless and probably in despair until he found out that his gift was writing. After stepping out and exercising his gift, he went on to be a success.
There is a saying: “When life gives you a lemon, you start making lemonade”. Don’t let life’s setbacks get you into a prison of despair; step out in faith. You have a valuable gift inside that is waiting to be uncovered. Nurture the vision that God has created in you. Please click on my video link for more on Your Great Escape.
Informative links…
(1) The Great Escape Movie…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMggxX5xj2o
(2) The True story of the Great Escape….https://www.history.com/news/great-escape-wwii-nazi-stalag-luft-iii
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