The Bulletproof George Washington

How's this for God's Providential Hand in our nation!

George Washington's part in the July 9th, 1755, battle during the French and Indian War is indisputably one of the most significant events of his early years: his life literally hung in the balance for over two hours. This dramatic event helped shape his character and confirm God's call on him.

During the two-hour battle, the 23 year-old Colonel Washington had ridden to and fro on the battlefield, delivering the general's orders to other officers and troops. The officers had been a special target for the Indians. Of the eighty-six British and American officers, sixty-three were casualties. Washington was the only officer on horseback not shot down.

Following the battle, Washington wrote a letter to his brother in which he readily and openly acknowledged:

"By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet [I] escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"

Fifteen years later, an old, respected Indian chief sought out Washington. The chief, explaining that he had led the Indians against them in the battle fifteen years earlier, revealed to Washington what had occurred behind the scenes during the conflict:

"I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior [Washington]? ...Himself is alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss--'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you...I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle."

(From The Bulletproof George Washington)

The Silversmith

This story speaks of the refiner's fire:

"Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?""Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?""That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."
-Author Unknown