“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord …”

— Psalm 33:12

This time of year is always a perfect time to dwell on the founding of our nation. Did you know that God’s providence played an enormous part in the settling and founding of this country? George Washington alluded to God’s providence many times as he recounted our nation’s development. Let’s look at just one stunning example, forgotten by many today.

In the first year of the Revolutionary War, America almost lost the entire conflict. British General Howe had cornered Washington’s army in Brooklyn Heights. The British forces surrounded the American forces in a great semicircle, and behind them British ships could close them off at any time. In fact, the British intended to do just that the next day and thus end the war.

The Americans had no way to escape. Nevertheless, that night, Washington endeavored to escape, realizing the helplessness of his position. He collected every vessel he could find, from rowboats to sloops, and set about to evacuate his troops by night. Counselors advised against such an escape because the British would see them in the moonlight and hear the splashing of their oars. But Washington was determined to go ahead anyway. Just as the American troops began to launch their vessels, a strange and unusual fog rose up and completely covered all of them. The next morning, when General Howe gave the orders to close the trap, he was astonished to find that Washington and his entire army had disappeared.

Precisely because of many incidents like these, Washington wrote after the war: “I am sure that never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States.” Today, thank God for His providence during the formation this great nation. And please join me in reminding people of God’s hand in founding it. Let’s give credit to Whom it is due.

“The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he
must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked,
that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”
George Washington