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I hope this post finds everyone well!
Have you felt the hand of God in your life before? This post will explore the life of George Washington and showcase an incredible example of God’s hand at work. I hope you enjoy it!
An Incredible Leader
George Washington is undoubtedly one of the greatest leaders in American history. He was the general of the continental army, president of the constitutional convention, America’s first president, and an unwaveringly strong Christian man and leader.
At a young age, Washington served as a surveyor. He soon received military training and was assigned command of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War. Later, he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and then as a delegate to the Continental Congress. In 1775, just in time for the Revolutionary War, he was appointed general of the continental army. After the war was over, he humbly resigned his commission. In 1789 he was elected president. He famously denied the offer to be crowned king and set the precedent for term limits. His farewell address sets a high standard for the principles of conservatism, limited government, and basic freedoms.
In all this, Washington praised the hand of God and His providence for the success of America. He consistently challenged people to trust God, worship God, and obey God. In his personal life, he was a man of prayer and faith no matter the challenging situation. During the American Revolution, he would often spend hours in his tent praying for his army and nation. His faith was key to his success as a leader and to all the decisions he made.
George Washington and the Battle of Monongahela
It was July 9, 1755, and George Washington was leading the American and British forces alongside British General Edward Braddock, against the French and Indians. As they marched on their way to the French Fort Duquesne, near Pittsburg, they were ambushed. The French and Indians were impossible to see as they hid in the forest. The American and British casualties quickly stacked up. It didn’t help that the British, in their bright red uniforms, made for easy targets. The troops couldn’t get any shots in at their well-hidden enemy. They were trapped and had nowhere to go.
Officers were especially targeted. If they were all killed, the rest of the troops would scatter. All the officers, including General Braddock, lost their lives. But George Washington would not go down. Washington being the strong leader he was, rallied the troops and led them in a successful retreat, preventing countless other casualties.
The Hand of God
After the battle, Washington wrote to his family, saying, “But by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.”
An Indian chief who fought against Washington (and later met him) recounted his story, “I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian’s wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do – himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss – `twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you.” One warrior declared: “I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle and after all could not bring him to the ground! Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you.”
God’s hand was clearly seen protecting George Washington that day. In fact, His hand was clearly seen protecting Washington for his entire life. It’s God’s hand that allowed Washington to be the incredible leader that he was.
If it wasn’t for God’s divine providence, the American Revolution would have most certainly failed. It is because of God that America was founded, and it is God our nation must look back to.
God always makes a way for those who trust Him. God always provides when we are at our weakest. God promises to always be with us.
God’s providence protected George Washington as he fought for America in its infancy, and it protects those of us today who follow and trust Christ.