Not Dismayed

“Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze, Source Metropolitan Museum of Art (PD-ARTlPD-AGE-100)

Most of you will recall Thomas Paine’s “The Crisis”.  The series of essays was written during one of our country’s darkest hours, with enlistments in the Continental Army about to run out.

Paine must have wondered what he could say to keep the troops from disbanding, and what right he had to ask such a high degree of devotion from them.   Remember that he had no assurance the American cause would triumph – far from it, in fact.

On December 23, 1776 George Washington had Paine’s stirring words read to the men as they were preparing to cross the Delaware River:

“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 it now deserves the love of men and women.

Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered…Though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the embers will never be extinguished.”

We can take heart for our own work in spreading the Gospel.  We, of course, are certain of the outcome.  The Lord lives!

“…Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you…” (Is. 41: 10).

Father, we cast ourselves on Your mercy. Our spirits weaken at times, and our strength fails. Uphold us with Your right hand, Father. Increase our resolve to do Your will.

Whatever the obstacles, whatever the price, help us to go forward in Your name and to Your glory.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed.com