In 1776 the British pushed the American army under Washington out of New York.  Cornwallis then pushed Washington across New Jersey.  This proved devastating to American morale.  Men were deserting and many soldiers’ enlistment periods had ended.  The troops were starving and freezing.  Something had to be done!

Thomas Paine released a pamphlet that had these stirring words:

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 their country; but he that stands by it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Washington had his troops read these words. 

Then, at night on December 25, he led them on boats across the freezing Delaware River during a horrendous storm to attack the Hessian mercenaries at Trenton, New Jersey.  The enemy couldn’t imagine anyone attacking in such a horrible storm.  They were routed.  Three Americans died, 22 Hessians died, 98 were wounded and 1000 were taken prisoner, along with cannons, rifles and ammunition. 

It wasn’t a huge victory militarily speaking, but it turned the tide of war, establishing Washington as a great commander who could step out in faith.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Be Victorious by Stepping out in Faith” from 1 Samuel 17:34-50.  It’s about a young man stepping out in faith against a gigantic warrior.  We’ll talk about “Have Faith in Light of What God Has Done,” verses 34-37; and “Step out in Faith,” verses 38-50.  Step out in faith for Sunday School and worship Sunday and watch God bless!

Love,

Jim Meek