Faith in Action

“Someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” – James 2:18

It was an intense time. The prospect of victory seemed unlikely, and many were discouraged. As supreme allied commander during World War II, Dwight Eisenhower wrestled with many questions and faced enormous problems. Some felt he was not qualified for the job.

US Army Chief of Staff George Marshall stressed to Eisenhower that he needed to focus on solving problems, not just talking about them. Eisenhower understood this mission and the attitude that was needed. He wrote, “I have observed very frequently that it is not the man who is so brilliant [who] delivers in time of stress and strain, but rather the man who can keep on going indefinitely.”

He realized how many people did much talking but little doing; there were very few doers and many complainers. He only wanted people involved who had something to do with winning the war—and no complainers.

Eisenhower refused to be paralyzed by doubt. He wanted to approach their situation as an opportunity with faces that were cheerful and determined, not dark and gloomy. He realized that people could do amazing things under pressure.

The Bible urges us to have this kind of determination and persistence. We’re to be people of faith, not just talking about what we believe but putting our faith into action. We’re not to be complainers but doers, confident in God and His Word, believing Him for victory.

Reflection Question: How are you persevering under pressure?