Faith in Action

It was a time of intense battles. The prospect of victory seemed unlikely, and many were discouraged.

As supreme allied commander during World War II, Dwight Eisenhower wrestled with many questions. Some felt he was not qualified for the job. And the problems he faced seemed enormous.

In giving him his assignment, U.S. Army Chief of Staff George Marshall stressed that he needed Eisenhower to solve problems, not just talk about them.

Eisenhower’s writings revealed his understanding of persistence and focusing on solutions. As he wrote to his son, John, in March 1943, “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 that many people did a lot of talking, but little doing. “There’s a lot of big talk and desk hammering around this place, but very few doers. They announce results in advance in a flashy way and make big impressions, but the results often don’t materialize, and then the workers get the grief.” He also was frustrated with complainers: “I am cutting everybody off my list [who] has not something to do with winning the war.”

He refused to be paralyzed by problems: “The present situation is to be regarded as one of opportunity for us and not of disaster. There will be only cheerful faces at this conference table.” He realized that “it’s amazing what people can do under pressure.”

The Bible urges us to have this kind of determination and persistence. To be people of faith, not just talking about what we believe but putting our faith into action. Being confident in God, and His Word. Bold. Believing Him for victory.