“These are the times that try men’s souls…”
On December 23rd, 1776, the American writer Thomas Paine published these memorable lines. Our young, fledgling country was facing its first true test of its endurance and willingness to persevere in the fight for freedom. After facing defeat after defeat at the hands of the larger, stronger, more well-equipped British troops, our boys in rebel blue were at the end of their rope. The citizen populace was weary and discouraged by the realization that this war would not be easily won.
But in the wake of those dark days, these immortal words were penned, inspiring that generation to re-evaluate their convictions.
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
American Crisis, Thomas Paine
A mere two days after the publishing of this paper entitled “American Crisis”, the eventual father of our country, George Washington, set out to attempt a daring and dangerous mission. It was one he felt he could not back down from. The future of our nation depended on pressing on, against all odds.
So on December 25th, 1776, George Washginton crossed the Delaware river in the dead of night, in the snow, with his ragtag group of soldiers and marched on a garrison full of German mercenaries in Trenton, NJ. The weather conditions were deplorable. Many of the men were still wearing their summer uniforms and were barefoot. Two other generals were supposed to cross the river and approach Trenton from different directions, but only the 2,400 men under the command of Washington himself successfully reached their destination. And yet… this risky endeavor resulted in the first major victory for the American Army.
The fact that a small group of ill-equipped, ill-fed, and still fairly inexperienced soldiers marched for miles through the dark and snow and successfully overtook a garrison of highly trained Hessian fighters is nothing short of a miracle. God clearly had His hand on this endeavor. But the fact remains that, in order for God to move in this situation, there had to be someone willing to let Him move. Thankfully, Washington stepped up to the challenge. He understood that the cause of our freedom required commitment in the dark days of winter just as much as it did in the warm days of summer. It was worth persevering for, despite the overwhelming odds. And the victory, though not easily won, was made all the sweeter for the struggle.
You may be wondering at this point, what does this history lesson have to do with me and the world I’m living in today? That was over two-hundred years ago. Is this even relevant now?
The answer to that is: yes!
When I was reminded of this amazing story a week or so ago, I was struck by how many parallels we can draw between Thomas Paine’s words, the crossing of the Delaware, and the situation in which we all currently find ourselves. No, we are not fighting a war against an earthly military force bent on crushing us beneath its heel. But we are fighting a different war, one that wages within our hearts and minds on a daily basis. For most of us, the past four months have been full of more uncertainty and hardships than we’ve ever faced. Far more insidious than Covid-19 is the fear that is stalking our souls.
These are the times that try our souls.
The times that force us to stop and decide if we will run away in our fear from the only One who can give us peace, or if we will press on to fight another day.
Will we continue to serve God even if the dark of night is thick all around and the snow seems to freeze us in our tracks? Or are we sunshine patriots, only willing to serve the cause of eternal freedom when all is bright and going in our favor?
I don’t know about you, but that thought strikes conviction into the depths of my heart. I don’t want to be a sunshine patriot or a summer soldier. I don’t want to turn tail and run when the going gets tough. I want to rise up and fight another day, and another, and another. We may not be facing the tyranny of a foreign country, but we daily face the onslaught of hell. It is not always a battle easily fought. But the victory of reaching the finish line of Heaven will be all the sweeter for the conflict.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2 Timothy 2:3-5 KJV
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV
Will you be a good soldier of Christ? Will you fight the good fight and keep the faith? I know it is a thing easier said than done at times, but how can we not keep fighting for our heavenly cause? We have every assurance that we shall come out victorious in the end, if only we persevere.
I thank God, that I fear not. I see no real cause for fear. I know our situation well, and can see the way out of it.
American Crisis, Thomas Paine
Just as Thomas Paine believed God would help the Americans win the war, we can rest in the knowledge that our God has already declared His victory in the war against hell. He will be victorious in the end and reign over all the earth and Heaven!
I know at times it seems as though the opposite is true, but we can also rest assured that God’s army is STILL growing. No pandemic, no civil and political unrest can slow the speed of God’s revival.
Once more we are again collected and collecting; our new army at both ends of the continent is recruiting fast, and we shall be able to open the next campaign with sixty thousand men, well armed and clothed.
American Crisis, Thomas Paine
More soldiers are joining our fight every day, standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we pursue the holy cause of Christ. Our strength may be flagging at the moment, but I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to rise up. To take up your sword again and live to fight another day. We are not alone in this unseen war. We are millions strong and backed by the armies of Heaven itself. And growing in number every day.
We are so close to the end of the war–can you not feel it? We’ve come too far to turn back now. Don’t be a summer soldier, a sunshine patriot only willing to serve when life is easy. Find your conviction and hold to it. The consequences of doing otherwise are too great.
This is our situation, and who will may know it. By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue; by cowardice and submission, the sad choice of a variety of evils – a ravaged country – a depopulated city – habitations without safety, and slavery without hope…
American Crisis, Thomas Paine
In Paine and Washington’s day, the cost of cowardice and submission would have been a country decimated and in bondage. For us today, the cost of cowardice and submission to the enemy will be our eternal souls. Is it worth it?
Absolutely not.
In conclusion, let me leave you with this final charge from one of the great “generals” of our army of believers–the Apostle Paul–found in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV
