This week marks another anniversary of Operation Overlord or D-Day. A combination of American and Allied forces landed 156,000 men on the beaches of Normandy and surrounding areas. Ten thousand men lost their lives taking the beaches in the largest seaborne invasion in history. This would mark the beginning of the end of WWII. D-Day, with all of its details and odds of failure, came down to Dwight D. Eisenhower giving it the go as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces. Waiting in anticipation of the results of such a monumental decision, he wrote this press release in case of failure. “Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold, and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”
This sentiment seems to stand in stark contrast to the caliber of men that dawn offices of public service of late. That is not to cast disparaging remarks on anyone, but it is more of a commentary on current societal norms. The concepts of honor, dignity, integrity and personal responsibility seem to be waning. They are being replaced with deflection, victimization and copious amounts of blame. President Eisenhower was willing to take personal responsibility for whatever the outcome. Would we be like Ike and stand beside such an important decision?
Joshua and Caleb couldn’t believe what they were hearing. The tribes of Israel were being swayed by the voice of ten worthless spies instead of the promises and assurances of God (Num. 14:1-4)! The people had entered into a covenant agreement with God, and now they were abandoning Him. Caleb cried out, “If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them” (Num. 14:8-9). They were telling them exactly what God had promised. They were saying that the victory was already theirs, and they just need to obey God. The people responded by preparing to stone the righteous men. They stood by God that day and were the only adults that were able to see that promised land. The invasion eventually took place, and God was with them.
We have the same assurances, we are “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37) through Him who loves us. Are you willing to stand by Him in honor, dignity, integrity and personal responsibility and enter into that promised land?