MORE THAN A MYTH, NO LESS THAN A LEGEND

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA

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As a child, I often wondered how legends came about. Here’s one that is not a legend but an actual event.

The Prayer at Valley Forge by Arnold Friberg, depicts George Washington praying on his knees. For years, I held the misconception that the painting came from the artist’s imagination. Not so.

In December of 1777, General George Washington chose Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as his troops’ winter quarters. The setting created an optimal defense locale ... beyond that, nothing about their situation was perfect or idyllic. The men were underdressed for the brutal, freezing temperatures; roads were treacherous; food was scarce; farmers were unwilling to accept Continental money. With approximately twelve men per hut, poor sanitation caused disease to blaze a trail through the camp.

Due to starvation, disease, and poor hygiene, 2-3,000 men died that winter. How this must have weighed on their leaders' heart! Yet, it’s recorded that his men saw Washington read his Bible, pray, and venture away to attend church. At times, he would go off into the woods alone to pray.

On one such occasion, Quaker Tory Isaac Potts was passing through the woods. He heard a voice that sounded like “a man at prayer.” Potts left his horse to investigate. He spied the general on his knees praying to God for his country, and not only the people of this country but everywhere in the world. Potts hurried home and told his wife the shocking sight and the prayer he’d heard. How could a man be both a soldier and a Christian? Until this point, Potts had believed in the British cause. But his conversion was total and immediate.

History records that Washington spent the remainder of the winter in the Potts’ home. The faith Washington demonstrated changed the course of the Potts’ family, the course of our country, and the course of history. And, while we’re grateful for this truth, is it any less miraculous and praiseworthy that prayer changed George Washington’s life, the lives of all he prayed for, and won the war?

Could our prayers do any less?

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV

Happy Fourth of July! God bless us and humble us to pray to Him!