Our nation celebrates another milestone tomorrow with its 249th birthday. Even though the Declaration of Independence was only signed by John Hancock on July 4, 1776, it was approved that day by representatives of all 13 colonies and later the other 55 courageous individuals also endorsed it pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors to birth this new nation. Praise God for the fortitude, wisdom, and determination of our founders.
Although many discount any role God has played in our nation’s founding and continued favor, it’s hard to argue against history. From the very beginning His hand of blessing has been obvious in many ways for those willing to recognize a pattern of Divine intervention. Although many examples could be given, I’ll mention only a few to ponder this holiday weekend amid our burgers, dogs, and fireworks.
Many are familiar with the future first President George Washington’s miraculous deliverance at the Battle of Monongahela. Although Washington warned General Edward Braddock about the very real possibility of ambush, Braddock ignored him and allowed his army to be strung out over many miles. When the enemy did, in fact, ambush them, they killed or wounded over 700 including Braddock himself. Every mounted officer, except Washington, was killed as they were especially targeted by the French and Indians.
Why wasn’t Washington targeted? He was. Four bullet holes were found in his coat attesting to the marksmanship of his adversaries. Although Washington was still recovering from an illness, he rode back and forth across the battlefield delivering Braddock’s orders. Several Indians reported later they had shot at him many times but eventually stopped doing so when it became apparent that he was being shielded by an “Invisible Power.” God protected the man who would be crucial in forming the future nation.
Skeptics today quickly dismiss such claims as mere coincidence, but the Indians did not. It becomes even more difficult to ignore God’s involvement when considering what happened 20 years later when the Americans entered their first naval engagement of the Revolutionary War. The British ships “just happened to have” the wrong size cannon balls and were ineffective in assaulting the American positions in Boston.
Nearly a month later, John Adams wrote to his wife about a Continental Fast when “Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessing; His smiles on American Council and arms.” Perhaps such prayers precipitated the massive blizzard that prevented 3,000 British troops from charging up Dorchester Heights and controlling Boston. Instead, 10 days later, they evacuated the city as the colonists thanked the One they knew was responsible.
Five months after this and less than two months after Hancock put his John Hancock on the Declaration, another battle ensued. Thirty-two thousand British troops were poised to annihilate Washington’s 8,000 who were trapped on New York’s Brooklyn Heights with no way of escape. Washington made a daring decision to move his entire army across the East River to Manhattan Island under cover of darkness. Despite their hurried efforts nearly half of the force remained by morning. Just as they feared their retreat would be discovered and cut off and their numbers decimated, a thick fog “just so happened” to shroud their movements. Such a weather phenomenon in late August in New York was and is nearly unheard of. Another coincidence? Or God’s mercy and grace on the Continental forces fighting for liberty?
We could mention D-Day and many other occasions when the weather “just so happened” to intervene at the exact time and place to favor our troops. But chances are, if we choose to blind our eyes from God’s blessing and protection in the above instances, more examples will not overcome intentional disbelief. For those who recognize God’s blessings on our nation, however, let us thank and praise Him on this 249th birthday and invite His continued favor on these United States for years to come. Blessings, George