The Crucible of Faith: SEAL Training
The frigid ocean water soaked Michael’s green fatigues as the instructor screamed orders at the line of BUD/S trainees struggling through the surf passage. This was just one of many relentless challenges designed to break SEAL candidates physically and mentally.
The Spark of Awakening
Michael entered the grueling training full of confidence but spiritually uncertain. He thought back to a Christian camp he attended as a teenager, where he first heard the message, about Jesus Christ.
Though he had a belief in God, his faith was still wavering. As the training intensified, Michael found himself praying for the endurance to overcome. Muscles aching, Michael spent hours each doing land and water evolutions while instructors pushed the students to the brink of breaking. Students continued dropping out as the relentless pressure mounted. Digging deep into reserves he didn’t know he possessed, Michael persevered through each punishing evolution. His confidence in God grew with each prevail challenge even when everything in his body urged him to give up. For his first time he was truly learning to understood the power of Psalm 23:4,
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Hell Week
When Hell Week commenced, the real torture began. As Michael endured cold, hunger, and exhaustion beyond anything he could have imagined, SEAL instructors launched an all-out assault on the candidates’ will to continue. One by one, Michael’s classmates reached their breaking points. But Michael focused on the divine love he now understood – nothing could shake this growing trust in God.
Somehow, Michael survived, while so many others fell short. He emerged on the other side transformed, knowing that somehow God strengthened and carried him through the ultimate test. Michael’s growing understand of God only deepened as his SEAL service placed him in harm’s way around the globe.
The True Acceptance
It was after completing his grueling training and surviving life-threatening missions that Michael felt a divine pull stronger than ever. He attended an altar call at a local church and fully accepted Christ into his life. From that moment on, he felt an inner peace that nothing could shake, solidifying his faith and giving him the spiritual armor to face any challenge that lay ahead.”
During his first overseas assignment as a Navy lieutenant in the Middle East, he faced a harrowing experience that tested his faith and resolve. His vehicle was ambushed, and an AK-47 was pointed at his head as he was marched out into a ravine. In that perilous moment, he felt the weight of his life hanging in the balance but also the strength of his faith. He states that miraculously, ‘we lost our vehicle, but we kept our lives.’ This experience reinforced his unwavering belief that God’s protection is real and ever-present.
Power of the Word
As a young SEAL, Michael didn’t always comprehend the spiritual power he possessed. But later, he recognized the impact of speaking Bible verses aloud as a proclamation of faith.
He often recited Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Amid any peril, his words echoed Christ’s promises of refuge and shield. Some might expect Michael’s strong faith to make him an outlier among his fellow SEALs. However, his devotion never wavered, and he continued to draw hope from Scripture. His high school wrestling coach had taken him to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp, planting the seeds of faith that would later blossom. Now, Michael resolved to reflect the light of Christ just as boldly as his coach had.
A New Mission: Evangelism
Late in his military career, Michael sensed the Holy Spirit beckoning him toward a new mission field. As he transitioned to civilian life after 22 years of service, he founded an evangelistic ministry proclaiming the Gospel nationwide. Michael realized no passion could override bringing the lost to salvation in Jesus.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
This verse became his life mission. Michael understood that the stakes were high, not just in the physical battles he fought but also in the spiritual realm. His military experience taught him the value of strategy, which he applied to his spiritual life. Every sermon he preached every book he wrote, was an opportunity to bring someone closer to God.
He now understood the eternal importance of those spiritual seeds planted as a high school student. God guided him through the darkest nights to emerge a shining light. Standing behind the pulpit, Michael speaks with conviction about the Savior who redeems all who believe—his time defending freedom around the globe had ended. But an even greater duty calls – fighting for lost souls in the name of the Lord.
The Legacy: A Life of Courageous Faith
Michael Imhof’s journey reveals the courageous faith possible when fully surrendered to Christ. His life stands as a testament to the transforming power of the Gospel. Here are Imhof’s own words, which resonate deeply with his life story:
“We need to be confident in who we are. We don’t need to be like the world says; we’re going to push you into the corner because you believe in God or you believe in Jesus.”
“What would we rather do, step on God’s shoes or step on man’s shoes? We’ve got to honor God first and foremost.
“If we don’t share that light, then who is? It’s got to come from Christians, and we’ve got to be strong in God and understand we want to please him first and foremost.”
So, what’s your next step? Are you ready to live out your faith with the same boldness that Michael did? Share your story, stand firm in your faith, and let your light shine in a world desperate for hope.
Seize the Opportunity: Hear Michael Imhof Live!
We are excited to announce that Michael Imhof will speak at Mill City Christian Church on September 10, 2023, at 9:15 AM. Please invite your friends and family to join us for this special service. It’s a message that could change your life!
📅 Date: September 10, 2023
⏰ Time: 9:15 AM
📍 Location: Mill City Christian Church
