A Soldier’s Perspective on Valley Forge – Lesson 3

[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.”]

Divine Providence

Although it is fashionable today for revisionist historians to discount or distort the role faith in God played in George Washington’s life, nothing could be further from factual truth. Washington regularly gave credit to the God of the Bible by using various terms intellectually indigenous to the Christians of his day, but his favorite phrase was “Divine Providence.” In fact, he later stated that the main thing that won the war for America was the “Divine interpositions of Providence.” In 21st century layman’s terms, Washington was clearly proclaiming, “God showed up and fought our battles when we needed him to.” Nowhere was this more evident than in the Army’s miraculous survival during the 1777-1778 winter at Valley Forge.

Washington’s effervescent belief in the “sacred cause of liberty” and “Divine Providence”

guided every decision as he led the Continental Army and our nation through its darkest hour.

In conclusion, Thomas Paine wrote these immortal words in his Revolutionary War treatise entitled The Crisis: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of every man and woman.” 

We will never be counted amongst those who are “summer soldiers” and “sunshine patriots,” for we are the warriors who stood in the breach in service to our beloved country.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28; ESV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • There are many men and women in uniform who love and serve the Lord in their service to America. Thank the Lord for them!
  • Thank the Lord for a nation founded on faith in God and the principles of the Word of God, such as George Washington and Thomas Paine. 
  • Intercede for the Joint Chiefs of Staff leading the armed forces today. Pray for them to fearlessly make their faith in the Lord well-known if they do, indeed, know Him. Ask the Lord to save those who have not yet come to Jesus.
  • Declare, “Our servicemen and women are safe in the hands of the Almighty God.” We look to Him to lead and cover them. Pray they will, as well. 
  • Ask the Lord to cull from the joint branches of service those who are “summer soldiers” and “sunshine patriots.” 
  • Bless the warriors who are standing in the breach in service to our beloved country.

A prayer you can pray:

God, we come to You today with a heart of gratitude for every Christian man and woman who has been led by You into service of our nation in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. They will never know how thankful we are for the sacrifices they make for us, so we can live free. We will never know the depths of what they go through in order to maintain that freedom on our behalf. It is the least we can do to intercede for them today. Remind us to pray regularly for them. 

Our nation was founded by You. You have always had a plan for America. You graced our nation’s military leaders with strategies and victories, as they leaned on, trusted in, and relied on You. They openly acknowledged Your Providence in their writings. Others wrote of their reliance on You, as well, giving credence to that historical record. Help us to never doubt that America was established on such a firm foundation.

We pray for those in service today. We pray that the current officers would be open in their faith, leading their troops in prayer, especially before battles. Save those who have not yet come to know You. Some of them will not come back, and we want them to be saved. We declare, “Our servicemen and women are safe in the hands of the Almighty God.” Lord, Cull from the joint branches of service those who are “summer soldiers” and “sunshine patriots.” They can be dangerous to the rest. Everyone must learn to fight together as one with as much fervor as possible to win the battles ahead. Nevertheless, we bless all in uniform who are actively serving our beloved country today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s decree:

We honor the warriors who have stood in the breach in service to our beloved country.

Learn more about William J. Ostan here.