Captured by Shia Hezbollah Militants

A Real Life Reflection

American journalist Terry Anderson was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon, by Shia Hezbollah militants, specifically an offshoot calling itself the Islamic Jihad Organisation. He was taken on March 16, 1985, and held for almost seven years, making him the longest-held American hostage.

Some years ago, Terry Anderson was captured and held hostage by militants in Lebanon. They had him for seven long years, much of which he spent in darkness and chains. Terry didn’t know if he would ever be free again. He didn’t know whether he would be alive the next day.

But God brought good from the bad. Before Anderson was captured, he was a nasty man by his own admission.

But his imprisonment changed him. God was at work in his life through his pain. After his captors freed him, he reflected on his imprisonment. He said:

“I almost chuckle sometimes–

this punishment, if punishment it is, seems

perfectly designed for my sins and weaknesses….

I drank too much–no alcohol here.

I chased women–no women here.

I’m arrogant– what

Better to put me in the hands of these so arrogant, uncaring young men.

He went on to say…

I’ve been careless of others’ feelings–

These people give not one tiny thought to mine.

I’ve been agnostic most of my adult life–

My only comfort here is the Bible and my prayers.”

Listen to that ending

once again. Anderson said:

“I’ve been agnostic most of my adult life; my only comfort here is the Bible and my prayers.”

Because of Terry’s kidnapping and confinement, God was able to break through the hardness of Terry Anderson’s heart. In the depth of his despair, Anderson prayed:

“Help

me! There’s no reason why you should.

Don’t we always turn to you when we’re in trouble?

And away from you when things are good?

I’m doing the same. But you love me. So, help me.”

And God did help him. I am curious to know what kind of help Anderson had in mind. He probably just wanted God to free him from that hellish situation. And, in a sense, that was what God did.

God became very present for Anderson in that dark cell. God used that hellish situation to free Anderson from the sins and compulsions that had enslaved him before his imprisonment. Eventually, God also freed Terry Anderson from his imprisonment. When he did, Anderson was a different person, a new man, saved, redeemed, whole.

Terry’s Answer’s story is a VALUABLE lesson for us all. Whether doing bad things or suffering through bad experiences, God will be there with you if you let him. God will help. Again, the help might be gentle or not, but the Lord will restore your soul.

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

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