The Kneeling General: How George Washington's Faith in God Built a Nation
Washington knelt in the snow at Valley Forge because he knew his authority came from Heaven, not from himself.
George Washington's Secret Weapon Was Not His Army But His Faith in God
This President's Day, a powerful article from Thrive News Co. by Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, reminds Americans of the spiritual foundation that guided George Washington through the darkest hours of the American Revolution.
Washington was not simply a military genius or political strategist. He was a man who knelt before God in the snow at Valley Forge while his soldiers starved and morale collapsed around him.
At just twenty years old, Washington penned a prayer asking for grace and blessing upon his family and his country. That prayer was not a passing gesture. It was the beginning of a lifelong pattern of reverence that would define his leadership.
Reverence is "the awareness that we stand before something holy, that authority is purposefully granted, and that every part of life is accountable to Heaven."
Hancock draws a sharp distinction between reverence and mere humility. Reverence, he argues, is the recognition of divine authority over all earthly power.
During the brutal winter of 1777 to 1778 at Valley Forge, Washington did not retreat to comfortable quarters while his men suffered. He shared their hardship and sought God through prayer. His faith held the Continental Army together when supplies, reinforcements, and hope had all but vanished.
Perhaps the most remarkable display of Washington's character came after victory. When independence was secured, many fully expected Washington to seize power as a king or dictator. Instead, he resigned his military commission in 1783. He later voluntarily stepped down from the presidency after two terms, establishing the peaceful transfer of power that has defined American democracy for centuries.
Why Washington's Reverence for God Should Inspire Today's Leaders
Hancock warns that modern America has "traded awe for comfort" and lost the instinct toward reverence that built the nation. He argues that forming leaders of Washington's caliber requires "example, discipline, challenge, brotherhood and faith," not shortcuts or public recognition.
Washington's legacy proves that true strength does not come from military might or political maneuvering. It comes from kneeling before the Almighty and surrendering one's own ambitions to a higher calling.
The Crusader's Opinion
George Washington understood what our modern leaders have forgotten: power without reverence for God is tyranny waiting to happen. He knelt in the snow because he knew his authority came from Heaven, not from himself. Today's politicians chase polls and popularity while the moral foundation of this nation crumbles beneath their feet. Washington surrendered the most powerful position on earth because he feared God more than he loved power. Show me one leader in Washington today willing to do the same. We do not need more politicians. We need men and women who tremble before the throne of God the way Washington did at Valley Forge.
Take Action
- Read the full article by Mark Hancock at Thrive News Co. and share it with your family this President's Day.
- Learn about Trail Life USA, the character and leadership development organization for boys and young men operating in over 1,250 churches across all 50 states.
- Pray for America's leaders this week. Ask God to raise up men and women of reverence who will lead with the same humility Washington demonstrated.
- Teach the next generation about Washington's faith. Visit Mount Vernon online or in person to explore Washington's spiritual legacy.
- Support Christian leadership development through The Shepherd's Shield, equipping believers to stand firm in their faith.
