Rob Whitehurst: General George Patton

When The Battles Rages All Around You...Stand...

"I feel I am destined to achieve some great thing — what, I don't know. But this last incident is so trivial in its nature and so terrible in it's effect — it can't be the result of an accident. It has to be the work of God. The last great opportunity of a lifetime — an entire world at war and I'm left out of it? God will not permit this to happen! I will be allowed to fulfill my destiny! … His will be done."
~ General George S. Patton to his personal assistant Sgt. William Meeks in a scene from the movie "Patton" and taken from Patton's personal diary.

Patton had just been relieved of his duty in World War II. The allies were planning the Normandy invasion and now Patton was sitting on the sidelines just because of words he had spoken in jest. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from that, how important words are in our lives. But how many times have you felt something else was going on, that a mighty hand was at work behind the scenes, using some trivial and ridiculous event that happened in your life for some greater purpose?

I have worked in the film business for almost 30 years. When people visit a set they are amazed at what they see. On screen you see what the camera sees, maybe just two people talking in an empty room or in a field, miles from anywhere. But pull back from that eyepiece on the camera's viewfinder, and you'll see what appears to be chaos and a cacophony of activity. Miles of large black cables, 100 people running around, preparing things for the scene to be shot, trailers, tents, dozens of large carts of stainless steel stands, trucks full of equipment, dollies on track, large lights on poles, giant frames of silks or colored gels atop stands being tied down by large heavy ropes, long jibs and cranes with cameras, people running every direction, working, struggling, hurrying, building wooden things, painting, on and on and on...it's incredible for someone not in the business to see all of the action that goes on behind the lens.

What is seen on the movie screen

What goes on behind the camera to make that scene happen

Patton knew this. He knew his destiny was to lead the allies to victory over the evil of the Nazis. He just had to be patient and let God finish with the prep of the rest of the world before he was allowed to fulfill that destiny. If you find yourself in this position today, and you are a believer and follower of God and His son Jesus, and you are frustrated or confused as to why everything seems to be going wrong, realize that like Patton facing the Nazis, there is a real enemy out there and you are indeed involved in spiritual warfare. Also know that if you love God and are trusting in Him, he will guide your steps and He and his angels are working 24/7 behind the scenes, behind what your eyes can see, to bring about His will and destiny for your life. You are in a time of preparation, don't sit by and do nothing. Prepare yourself, read the Word day and night, get ready to be used. And don't stop...don't give up! Your time is coming!

"And we know that God is causing all things to work together for good for those who love Him, and are called according to His plan." ~ Romans 8:28

"The steps of a man who walks in righteousness are ordained by the LORD and He takes delight in his journey." ~ Psalm 37:23

"'I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD. 'They are plans for peace and good health, and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.'" ~ Jeremiah 29:11

"For this reason, prepare yourself by putting on the complete armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the day of battle. And having fought to the end, you will remain standing as victors on the field." ~ Ephesians 6:13

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General George Patton

When The Battles Rages All Around You...Stand...