But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)

Foxhole Religion

A pilot and his navigator had been shot down and were adrift at sea in their tiny lifeboat. After several days without food, water, and any hope of rescue, the pilot began to pray. He said, “God, you know I haven’t lived a very good life. I’ve been a miserable husband and a terrible father. I’ve cheated, lied, and stolen, and haven’t had any use for the church. But God, if you’ll save us from dying out here, I promise I’ll never …” The navigator interrupted, “Don’t say another word. I think I see land.” Foxhole religion.

There is a Japanese proverb that says, “Once on shore, pray no more.” It is not uncharacteristic for a frightened man to change his promises after the danger has passed. There may not be any atheists in foxholes, but pull a man out of the fires of battle, and he may not be as ‘religious’ as he once was. This is because God becomes a secondary object of worship, like a life vest in case of emergency. A life vest is not very stylish, mostly uncomfortable, and more of an annoyance to wear. The only way a life vest is purposeful is when someone is thrown into the water. Then, and only then, does the vest come into use.

People use God like a life vest. He is not stylish, His will is uncomfortable, and expecting one to follow the commandments of the Lord is a nuisance to living a life full of energy and excitement. Few people walk around with God as their life saver. He only comes into use when there is danger. Take away the threat, and the moment of fear – God is no longer needed. Imagine how God feels to be used in such a manner. Actually, God is not amused because it is impossible to use God like that. The one who is fooled into believing foxhole religion is acceptable to God is a foolish man. Satan has done well to allow a man to believe in God, but only as a last-minute need, just in case.

It is foolish to think God is like a light switch that can be turned on and off at the whims of human desires. Religion is used as a crutch to satisfy the guilt of the human heart that knows the hypocrisy of foxhole religion. There is no commitment. Obedience to God is laughed at. When a man faces danger and he calls out to God for help, he forgets that God will not listen to those who never listen to Him. Foxhole prayers go unheeded, unheard, and unanswered. God is not amused. He will only listen to the prayers of His children who seek Him daily and ask His blessings. Prayer is a daily communication that is shared between a faithful heart and a God of grace.