Surely We Are A Nation Established By God's Providence!

Yesterday we were not able to have our big family get together because of scheduling conflicts, however, I was able to watch the History Channel series on the Revolutionary War. I had seen it before but watching it again reminded me of how precarious the struggles were in this six year battle of wills. If ever there was a country that came into existence as a result of near misses and ‘almosts’, America certainly did.

I’ll not retell the series except to say that hardship and sacrifice was the order of the day for most of those involved in the American cause. It was not easy to identify with this in a realistic manner as I sat rocking my 18 month old grandson, but nonetheless, I am, and I hope you are very grateful for what was done on behalf of the founding of this experiment we call the United States of America.

I’m not one of those “America, love it or leave it” kind of persons, however, I do think we should redouble our efforts to make sure our children are taught and we all are reminded of what went into making this the world’s shining city on a hill. Blood, sweat, and tears. Sacrifice and in many instances losing all worldly possessions for a cause believed to be greater than any one individual.

Were there abuses of people? Certainly. Were there those who were in it for their own personal gain? No doubt. Sad to say this is a part of the fabric of fallen humanity. But with so many warts and blemishes there for all to see, yet, God permitted a nation to be founded that has gone on to have a profound impact, not only within the boundaries of its own territory, but the world in general has been changed forever by a country founded upon the principle of freedom.

I am fascinated by real time live webcams from all over the world. One of the interesting things to observe is how people in countries that were once dominated by communism with little or no personal freedoms can be seen walking across their streets at will, shopping bags in hand, at the malls, or doing whatever it is they desire to be doing. Let freedom ring. Because God permitted a country called America to come into existence, millions have been set free from tyranny and deprivation.

The entire world owes a great debt of gratitude to God for His providence in allowing the birth of our republic. The series I watched made the point that one of George Washington’s characteristics, especially in battle, was his sense of invincibility. He was shot at many times at close range. He had bullet holes in his clothing. Yet, he continued. A study of his personal religious beliefs informs us that he did in fact believe very strongly in God’s providential care over the affairs of humanity. We might agree with this in principle but riding out front, up and down the firing lines is where his belief was tested and proven.

Here is George Washington’s preserved Thanksgiving Day proclamation:

WHEREAS, It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;

WHEREAS, Both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

Would also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
--George Washington - October 3, 1789

In my morning prayer today with my wife before leaving at 5 a.m., I thanked God for those who have sacrificed much, and especially those who have paid with their own blood for the privileges we take for granted today. Like the one where you can sit in your rocking chair, loving on your grandchild, while being vividly reminded of what was done to make this possible.

Folks, America is in trouble and in so many instances has lost her way. However, God continues to work through those who care enough to pursue the values and ideals that come from Him through a freedom He providentially provided. Food for thought, so feast on it today. More later…….