Check back each Monday for a short devotional with Chaplain Art Pace to help you start the week off well.
[B]ut they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
Micah 4:4
The birthdays of George Washington (Feb 20) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12) used to be celebrated as separate days in February. Then Congress figured this was too much time off from work so in 1971 they combined them into one and called it Presidents Day.
Regardless, it is right that we recognize these two great leaders who governed in torturous times of American history.
For example, General Washington had to lead his inexperienced forces against the strongest military in the world in order to win our independence. He then as our first president led this new democracy as our nation formed and had to establish itself in the world. The stress on Washington had to be enormous.
But George Washington was a man of faith who knew his bible. Historians say that his favorite verse was Micah 4:4. Here Micah’s prophecy describes an idyllic scene. The vine and fig tree depict prosperity, while the farmer who owns them sits beneath them in perfect peace. He is not afraid, because God is in charge.
Washington turned to the bible to remind him that tough times do not endure, but God does. He believed that one day there will prosperity and peace for our nation if he and our fledgling nation just trusted in God and his promises. And he was right.
Whatever we may be going through, we need that same biblical reminder that inspired Washington. We must not abandon hope. Our struggles come with an expiration date.
What are the main issues that you am facing right now in your life? How are you using God’s Word to find encouragement to get through those issues?
