A Soldier’s Perspective on Valley Forge – Lesson 2

[Note from my friend William J. Ostan, Esq., LL.M., Major (Ret.), who is writing this series of articles: “I have intensely studied Valley Forge over the last three years. I hope these thoughts stir your heart to pray for America and fill your soul with faith for Her divine destiny to be fulfilled.”]

Endurance

One historian vividly describes Valley Forge as “the crucible of Washington’s Sacred Cause.” It is impossible to overstate how desperately hopeless the circumstances were for the weary American warriors. The men were dying, not from British bullets or sabers, but from brutal illnesses brought on by nakedness and starvation while braving the elements of a frigid winter. Washington’s leadership was extraordinary as he determined to “share in the hardship, and partake of every inconvenience.” He led by example, in the midst of the most adverse physical depredations, and even while political mutiny was being plotted against him back in Philadelphia. As a result, his soldiers courageously endured the months of suffering because of his stoic presence and manifest love for them.

At the conclusion of the ordeal, Washington proudly boasted about his Army by stating,“…for without arrogance, or the smallest deviation from the truth it may be said, that no history, now extant, can furnish an instance of an Army’s suffering such uncommon hardships as ours have done, and bearing them with the same patience and Fortitude.”

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3; NASB)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

• Valley Forge is a great example of how soldiers suffer, yet persist for a greater cause. Click here and here to learn more.
• Our military members must endure many challenges, in training exercises, in remote deployment locations, and on the battlefield, of course. Pray for a grace to endure these hardships.
• Ask God to endow His people within the military community to be examples of the faith that gives us the ability to endure beyond what we think we can. 
• The challenges their spouses and families of active duty military face is often overlooked. Frequent moves, long periods of time apart from spouses, moms, dads, and extended family, as well as caring for wounded warriors, takes endurance, as well.
• Thank the Lord for their service to you and your family.
• Thank someone you know who serves in the U. S. military for enduring so much for you to live free.

A prayer you can pray:

Father, the more I learn about our men and women in military service, the more grateful I am for their decision to serve our nation in that manner. It is not an easy life. Much is required, whether we are at war or not. This has been the case from the very first battles we engaged in to become a free nation. I ask You to grant every one of those on active duty the supernatural grace to endure these hardships. Grace, grace, grace, to our U. S. military, Lord. Let those who are Believers in Jesus be highlighted by the Holy Spirit as examples of pulling on that sweet grace in order to endure more than they think they are capable of. 

Be with the families, as well. Grace to the spouses, the children, the moms and the dads of those that serve. They need to navigate so many things, such as frequent moves, long periods apart from one another, and, sometimes, the caring of their loved ones after serious sickness or injury occurs. Lives can be upended, but You can provide that grace to lovingly endure, if they reach out for You, Jesus. Thank you again for all of these members of the armed forces, and their family members. I am so grateful. Again, grant them grace to run this race with endurance. Let them never be forgotten, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s decree:

We decree supernatural grace for our soldiers to persevere with fortitude and endurance every hardship they face for our nation’s freedom. 

Learn more about William J. Ostan here.