Triumphant Publications

Delivered by Angels: God’s Providence for an American Soldier in Iraq

A review by Charlie Marks

Does God still intervene in the affairs of men?  Can this intervention be earned by a man who is blessed as a result of it?  How does a Christian man reconcile his faith with taking up arms against an enemy intent on killing him?  What is life like for an American infantryman in Iraq?  Is prayer important?  These are a few of the questions and issues addressed in Delivered by Angels: God’s Providence for an American Soldier in Iraq, co-authored by Specialist Brian Otis and his father, Pastor John Otis, and published by Triumphant Publications.

This book is essentially one man’s chronology of God’s saving action towards him during battle, juxtaposed with a biblical perspective of those same events.  Countless books and narratives have been introduced to the world by men and women who have served in various degrees and importance in military conflicts throughout the history of the world.  It’s impossible for me to enumerate how many I’ve read, in addition to those that are in my own library.  I can, however, count on one hand those that are as unashamedly and brazenly Christian as this book.

Brian Otis’ story is straightforward and simple.  It is full of faith, but still shows the angst of a Christian who has been commanded to kill.  He reaches conclusions, but still describes the struggle to that end.  He declares the glories of God, but not without the profound cost to one who has been engaged in combat. 

Every Christian is a “work in progress”, but what makes Brian’s story unique, is twofold.  First and foremost is his willingness to tell it-period.  Many are the loved ones who never knew what their warrior witnessed and/or endured.  They and their soldier have gone to their respective graves not knowing and not telling.  Secondly, Brian’s pilgrimage sets him apart from most “everyday” Christians in that most of us have not lived our faith on both sides of a working and functional gun barrel.  This cannot be overstated.

This book is multi-dimensional.  The questions that begin this review are a reflection of that.  It is not a “Gospel tract”, but boldly states the message.  The reader will find combat action.  There are lessons on the importance of prayer.  Humorous anecdotes are sprinkled throughout the story, along with personal and Otis family biographical histories.  One of my favorites is the story of James Otis, Jr., an important figure to the founding of our nation.  The chapter discussing the biblical perspective on angels is short, but outstanding as an appendix.

Brian and John’s presentation is also chronological, taking the reader from boot camp until he returned from Iraq.  John is a teacher and preacher.  His portion is consistent with that, but dovetails very nicely with his son’s account.  His passion for the Gospel, and the love he has for his son shines through.  Brian is not a professional storyteller, but his tale is well-told and will not disappoint.

The reader will not get far past the cover, to find that my wife and I helped edit this book.  I have read and re-read this story, agonizing over each “jot and tittle” and every turn of a phrase.  Sometimes, in such a process, the story can lose its “edge”, but in my final read-through I still found myself choking back tears.  This book will encourage the soldier who needs to know in Whose palm he is being held and kept safe.  This book will encourage the soldier’s loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and distant cousins of those acquaintances by clearly identifying the Owner of that palm, and reminding them of His precious promises.