It has been said that George Washington actually had a set of false teeth made of wood. that doesn't appear to be true. And the story that as a small boy he chopped down that cherry tree and when asked by his father he said, "I cannot tell a lie, yes I chopped down the tree". That story doesn't appear to be true either.

But its easy to see why that story was believed to be true, because George Washington was a man of the highest character and integrity.

Even when he was a young boy he wrote his own, what he called, "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior". He had over 100 of these rules that he strived his entire life to live by. And because of his striving, he was highly admired and respected.

But amazingly, all of the attention and admiration he received did not go to his head. Those who knew him best in life said that he continued to be a modest man, even shy in the face of the honors bestowed upon him.

Yes, George Washington was truly an amazing man. And because of who he was as a person, God chose to use him in a mighty and powerful way.

One big reason why America won the war for independence was that those who served under Washington genuinely loved him and were willing to follow him anywhere, anytime. So many of the men, long after their tour of duty had expired, would actually stay and fight for him because they believed in the cause; but even more, they believed in him - and God preserved him.

You see, all through history we read stories of people who have been given a special gift or ability to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. It's like its their destiny in life, their calling - and George Washington was one such man - he was destined to lead America to freedom.

According to written accounts, he had many close brushes with death even before the American Revolution. During one battle in the French and Indian War, he served as a field officer under General Braddock. His job was to carry orders back and forth across the open battlefield. As the battle raged, every other officer on horseback was shot down - even General Braddock himself was killed. But Washington, despite riding back and forth across the open battlefield, he was never even injured - and even Washington himself was amazed by this. Later in a letter to his brother he wrote:

"After the battle I had four bullet holes in my coat and two horses shot from under me. Although death was leveling my companions on every side of me, yet I escaped unhurt."

And just how did he account for his surviving? He said:

"By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probabilities".

George Washington knew that he was being protected by Almighty God.

And when George Washington went into battle, he never went without first asking for God's help. there is one written account of a messenger looking for Washington with an important message. Where did he finally find him? In the woods, on his knees, praying.

You see, George Washington was a man who prayed for America - and God used him to give America, to give us, our freedom.

Later in life Washington would recall his mother's very words when he had left home as a young man. She had said:

"Son, remember, God is your only sure trust."

Want to be a powerful force in your own community, your own life? Be a person who sets your own "rules of civility" and lives them. Be a person who is not afraid to stand up for what is good and right and just.

Finally, put all of your trust and hope in Almighty God. He wants to use you today, right now.

In who or what are you placing your trust?

May God bless America
May God bless you

Jerry Stewart

P.S. email me with your own thoughts and ideas regarding our America at stewartreport@onemomentinamerica.com

JS

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