Band of Brothers: Bastogne with Paul McDonald and Bryan Byrd
We are moving on to episode 6 of the Band of Brothers series, Bastogne. The men were under fire, spread thin, alone and isolated, and with no hope of resupply or reinforcements. They were in a place no one would choose to go. But they find that victory and the strength to hold the line is found in the power of their presence. Join us as we discover God’s truth in this story.
Quotes
In this episode, you have guys who are ill-equipped, isolated, spread thin—just like we are today.
Men were coming to the fires with broken relationships, industries being shut down, the world being put on hold, and there was a great need for care, clarity, and to get our bearings.
Nobody wants to go to Bastogne.
Their greatest weapon was their presence.
We have an active participation in fortifying and holding the line for the promises of God to come through.
Miracles only happen in the middle of the mess.
We need somebody to give a shit.
Healing and resupply are on the other side of our surrender to God.
Everybody’s Bastogne is different.
This activity feels like it fills my false self, but my heart’s still left in Bastogne.
Don’t let the disappointment rob you of what you actually accomplished.
We have a God who shows up in our Bastogne moments even if it’s decades later.
When you make yourself accessible and available, it’s going to attract others.
The power of their presence is in their heroic consistency.
Be who you say you are.
Themes
We feel like we gain ground, then lose ground, under fire, spread thin, alone, isolated, and with no hope of resupply. How do we get through this?
We play the role of Eugene, medics to the men and women around us who are untethered and isolated.
Our greatest weapon is our presence: When we are surrounded by suffering, what do we do? When your boots get blown up in the battle, how will you keep your feet warm? How can you find soul care in a world that is constantly bombarding you?
But how do we connect to the truth that God indwells us and gives us his strength in the constant bombardment?
We expect God to respond our lack and respond like the general. “Suck it up. Hold the line.” The general gets in his jeep and leaves. So we don’t go to the one who can restore us and strengthen us for the fight. But that’s not God’s response when his children come to him in need.
How do we become men who don’t need to be rescued? How do we hold the line?
Spending time with God, in union with god
Realizing we are in war
Realizing we are not fatherless
Invite Jesus into the middle of our suffering
Stay in community
Validate the pain, and be present in it. Don’t pivot to the next thing.
Be accessible and available.
Show up with heroic consistency
Willpower does not bring transformation. Trying harder will only make you exhausted. The will was designed to be surrendered, and with surrender comes restoration, refreshment, and recovery.
Resources
Wild at Heart Fires podcast
Wild at Heart Fires website
“For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” - Colossians 1:27 (NLT)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” - 1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)
Questions
Which descriptor fits you best? Some days you gain ground, sometimes you lose ground. Under fire. Spread thin. Isolated and alone. No hope of resupply. What does that look like in your life?
How have you played the role of medic to the people around you?
Who has played Eugene’s role for you when you are wounded and depleted?
How do you think God will respond when you take him your problems? Will He be disappointed, get in his jeep and leave? Or do you believe he actually gives a shit about your problems?
What sort of man do you want to be?
What do you want your wife to say about you?
What do you want your kids to say about you?
More info
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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