George Washington was one of the most pivotal figures in the story of American Independence. His contribution to the foundation of the United States was tremendous. He led the Continental Army during the Revolution, served as the first President and came to be called “Father of His Country”. One could not imagine what history would be like had Washington died before the Revolution. God’s providence was certainly protecting and guiding Washington through his many life experiences. There are three very clear examples of God’s protecting hand in Washington’s life. Amidst the chaos of battle, Washington had an invincible shield about him.
The first example we will look at is the incredible story of Washington at the battle of Monongahela during the French and Indian War. The battle occurred in the early stages of the war, in 1755. Washington and a force of Virginia militiamen were marching through the Ohio wilderness with General Edward Braddock’s English force. They were headed towards a French fort on the frontier called Dusquesne. As they marched through the woods, they were ambushed by Frenchmen, Canadian militiamen and Native Americans. The English were unaccustomed to the Native American style of warfare, which the French had adopted. Braddock, a veteran of several European battles, was used to fighting the European way: marching towards the enemy in clean-cut ranks. The European style of battle was extremely orderly and disciplined. On the other hand, the Native Americans encouraged hit and run tactics. They seldom ever fought in the open fields. The Natives and French preferred to hide among the trees and fire at the unsuspecting English. The battle was a complete rout. Braddock was shot and died of his wounds. Officers and men fell left and right. Washington rushed into the fray, attempting to rally his troops to victory. He had two horses shot from under him, his hat shot from his head and several bullet holes were found later in his coat. Only the providence of God could have kept Washington safe in such a situation. Washington himself believed this. He writes, “By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, altho’ death was leveling my companions on every side.”
Washington experienced a similar situation in 1758. During the Battle of Fort Ligonier, Pennsylvania, he led a force of Virginians to surround a force of French and Native Americans. George Mercer, also led a considerable group of Englishmen to help in this endeavor. The two forces met each other in the woods at night and mistook each other for the enemy. Friendly fire was exchanged and their were dozens of casualties. When Washington realized his mistake he rushed into the midst of the firing, shouting for the men to hold their fire. Bullets flew past him until, eventually, the “incident” ended. Once again, God’s protective hand was seen preserving Washington.
The final example is set during the American Revolution. Washington and his men are bottled up in New York City. Washington and the Colonists had suffered smarting defeats during Cornwallis’ New York campaign. Now, Washington hoped he could escape to fight another day. The situation was bleak. Washington finally decided to evacuate to Manhattan Island in the night. He left Thomas Mifflin’s Pennsylvania troops to tend the campfires so as to deceive the British and make them think that the Americans remained where they were. Mifflin was given orders to march his troops to the river to ferry them across. Providentially, his men were met by Washington as they marched to the river. Washington hastily ordered them back to their post. During the night, the only person to witness the evacuation was a Loyalist. She sent her slave to warn to the British. The slave was captured on his way by Hessians, who fought for the British. The slave tried his best to warn them but the Hessians did not speak English and did not understand him. As the day began to dawn, Washington feared that the British would spot his escape. Instead, God sent a fog to cover the final evacuations. It was not until the fog lifted that Cornwallis found out that he had been tricked. This evacuation from Long Island could be called the “American Dunkirk”. Not one single American soldier was lost in the evacuation.
Washington was well-acquainted with God’s providence. He once wrote, “There is a Destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of Human Nature.” Washington understood that his life was in God’s hands and he took great comfort in that. We, too, can take comfort in the knowledge of God’s control in our lives.