Faith in the Fog of War: Stories of Triumph and Tragedy in the Midst of War (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: antitank mine, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, John Mark (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

War-Worn Faith

You want the flare of your faith to burn as intensely as a fire on the battlefield. That means digging into God’s truth regardless of the chaos raging around you. These devotions are written by a man who had considered war something that someone else always did, and was then himself deployed to Iraq as a company commander. From the frontlines of the blackest days and in the face of inexplicable suffering, you’ll discover the heart of the question, “Why, God?” and its often unsettling answer. Because in war, as in contemporary America , reality involves struggle, trial, and triumph. Let God meet you in the midst of life’s nonsense to find the peace that is a crucial part of His impeccable plan.

Why, God?

War screams the same questions whispered in everyday life. The battlefield explodes with the same tenacity of emotions that wretch our souls. Smoke fills the air just as doubt clouds our minds.

Are you on the frontlines of war overseas? Or perhaps your battle is personal, deep within. These devotions, penned by Captain Chris Plekenpol while on the battlefield in Iraq, expose the depths of inexplicable suffering as well as the heights of incredible victory in God.

Through every adversity and in any circumstance, you will find a still voice reminding you of God’s sovereignty…in war and peace.



“Faith forged in the crucible of combat! Chris Plekenpol is a warrior and he has compiled a great guide for victory in the battles we all face.”

Oliver L. North

Host of “War Stories” on Fox News and author of The Assassins

“There is no theory here. Just the battle-tested insights of a soldier who has learned to trust his heavenly Father in the valley of the shadow of death. You are going to love this book.”

Andy Stanley

Pastor, North Point Community Church

“Amazing encouragement from the heart of the battle!”

Louie Giglio

Passion Conferences

Story Behind the Book

“I began writing devotionals as both a preparation for seminary and as a ministry tool during my service in Korea . At first, I sent them only to a few people. Then, as I wrote more frequently, I received e-mails requesting my devotions. I continued writing during my deployment to Iraq , tackling such issues as life in combat as well as the triumph of God in the battle. My purpose in writing this book is to further God’s work in my life by ministering to others through my experience in the heart of the battle.” —Chris Plekenpol

About the Author

Chris Plekenpol earned his mechanical engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999. His baptism in December of the same year marked a drastic change in his perspective on the army and life. Chris was deployed to Iraq in 2004 as a tank company team commander responsible for one hundred men and 85 million dollars worth of equipment. Chris, unfortunately, lost six men under his command. God has called Chris into the ministry, and after resigning from the army, he plans to attend Dallas Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (September 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590527410
• ISBN-13: 978-1590527412
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #333,397 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, May 3, 2007

By	Alex Beard "homiealex" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book. It's very engaging, with lots of material but not too lengthy. He shares some great stories from his experiences-some hilarious, some horrifying, and some heartbreaking, but he shares spiritual and Biblical insight into all of them. You don't need to be in the military to appreciate this book and his stories. It can be read from cover to cover in a day if you feel like it, or you can read a chapter a day to make it somewhat of a devotional. Either way it makes for great reading.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Faith in the Fog of War: Stories of Triumph and Tragedy in the Midst of War, January 9, 2007

By	Christopher Halverson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A number of months ago I heard and interview with Chris Plekenpol on a Radio Station in Beaverton Oregon. The interview was quite compelling. It made an impression upon me enough to buy the book. I am not an avid book lover but this book was hard to put down! I felt that I was walking beside each soldier and experiencing the countless emotions they experience daily. The book isn't long and drawn out yet it has a number of short chapters that cover various experiences and exposes the reader to a number of raw emotion that each soldier feels. This book is a must read!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A modern Isaiah, February 14, 2007

By	Morgan Watt - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Chris Plekenpol's second book, has the refined characteristics of a growing author, and as Isaiah did years before him, he is forcing open the eyes and ears of men. His ability to connect the dots of everyday Christianity in an out of the ordinary type of world, has allowed him to reach many who struggle daily. His remarkable insights and understanding of scripture are linked flawlessly to the changing and often dangerous environs in which he lived for a year. Having witnessed many of the events in this book first hand, beside Chris, I have seen his bravery on the battlefield and off. I recommend this book, for everyone who ministers the word of God, and especially those who want to read a harrowing account of Christianity on the front lines.