They were on their way to Pittsburgh from Virginia. Roughly 1,500 of them marching in formation through the dense terrain on a mission to capture Ft. Duquesne and drive the French out of the Ohio River Valley. The British troops and colonial militia were close to their target and crossing the Monongahela River when the ambush happened.
The French and Indian adversaries were hidden in the dense forest and decimated the approaching soldiers. As the disciplined regimen crumbled into chaos, 23-year-old volunteer George Washington fought furiously to defend and organize the soldiers as their leader, General Braddock, had been mortally wounded. Taking heavy fire for hours, he had two horses shot from under him. Finally retreating after losing 900 men, Washington noticed four bullet holes through his coat, but he was unharmed.
In a letter to his brother John he said, "By the all powerful dispensation of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullet holes through my coat and two horses shot under me yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side."
"And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you. Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord's will be done." (2 Samuel 10:11-12)
George Washington inspired a nation through acts of courage and faith in God, who called him into leadership. One small battle fought bravely catapulted him to lead the founding of a country willing to stand against evil worldwide. He learned a lot that day. A lot about tactics, a lot about courage and leadership, and a lot about God’s protection.
Life tends to ambush us from time to time. Just when we think our destination is near, the enemy comes out of nowhere and attacks. Always lurking, hidden in the shadows, waiting for us to let our guard down and then pounce on our families, teams, and us personally. That's when it's time to fight back. Fight for your family, fight for your team, fight for your business. Fight for your faith. Fight for what's right.
What battles are you facing today?
Where is life ambushing you? What is causing you to question your leadership, your goals, your faith? Instead of waiting for the enemy to pounce, let's take the battle to them. Be courageous! Fight bravely for your people. You may lose a few horses, and bullets may pierce your coat, but if you pursue the Lord’s purpose, He will protect you through the battle and use you in the future for significantly greater things.
Don't wait for evil to ambush; let's take control today.