The Tried and Triumphant
"Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
July 7
Defeats at New York and at Fort Lee brought the Colonial Army morale to a place of desperation. George Washington knew that his troops needed to obtain a victory to encourage them to continue fighting. He decided on the bold move to surprise the Hessian German mercenary army that were fighting for the British by crossing the Delaware river on Christmas with 2,400 troops. Leading up to this maneuver he commanded all his troops to read the publication by Thomas Paine which read, “These are the times that try men's souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”1 This crossing was extremely difficult and dangerous but was the cause for a great triumph which swelled the morale of the troops with hope as the majority of the enemy was captured or killed with few American causalities. Paine went on in his pamphlet saying, “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” In our warfare against the forces of hell we will face significant difficulty and discouragement. When we press in prayer against strongholds of wickedness it is not uncommon to find the immediate opposition to be overwhelming. We must not shrink back in fear, but with audacious faith press forward with greater resolve to defeat our enemy. Faith that overcomes must be willing to take such intrepid and brazen actions while still trudging through the frozen winter of discouragement. Our souls will be tried through these frigid waters of uncertainty. Triumph will not come until we have persevered through the harshest conflicts. God’s word fans the flames of encouragement in our hearts with the promise of His favor and upholding strength that will be supplied to us in our hour of need. Enemies that seem to have the upper hand are defeated by those who possess the faith to stand against them in the power of the Lord’s might. Tried hearts have come to know the limits of their strength, but they also have come to know the saving strength of their savior. Receive this admonishing word as you step onto the battlefield, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River - America in Crisis by Thomas Paine