Bulletproof

I want to share a story in American history that shows the hand of God working to shape a person, to lead a nation, as recorded on pages 11-13 of Toby Mac and Michael Tait’s book, “Under God” (2004).

The French and Indian War: Account of a British Officer-- July 9, 1755

    The American Indian Chief looked scornfully at the soldiers on the field before him. How foolish it was to fight as they did, forming their perfect battle lines out in the open, standing shoulder to shoulder in their bright red uniforms. The British soldiers—trained for European warfare—did not break rank, even when braves fired at them from under the safe cover of the forest.  The slaughter at the Monongahela River continued for two hours. By then 1,000 of 1,459 British soldiers were killed or wounded, while only 30 of the French and Indian warriors firing at them were injured.

    Not only were the soldiers foolish, but their officers were just as bad. Riding on horseback, fully exposed above the men on the ground, they made perfect targets. One by one, the chief’s marksmen shot the mounted British officers until only one remained.

    “Quick, let your aim be certain and he dies,” the chief commanded. The warriors—a mix of Ottawa, Huron, and Chippewa tribesmen—leveled their rifles at the last officer on horseback. Round after round was aimed at this one man. Twice the officer’s horse was shot out from under him. Twice he grabbed a horse left idle when a fellow officer had been shot down. Ten, twelve, thirteen rounds were fired by the sharpshooters. Still, the officer remained unhurt.

    The native warriors stared at him in disbelief. Their rifles seldom missed their mark. The chief suddenly realized that a mighty power must be shielding this man. “Stop firing!” he commanded. “This one is under the special protection of the Great Spirit,” A brave standing nearby added, “I had seventeen clear shots at him… and after all could not bring him to the ground. This man was not born to be killed by a bullet.”

    As the firing slowed the lieutenant colonel gathered the remaining troops and led the retreat to safety. That evening, as the last of the wounded were being cared for, the officer noticed an odd tear in the arm of his coat. It was a bullet hole! Amazed he took off his coat and he found three more holes where bullets passed through his coat but stopped before they reached his body. 

    The 23 year old officer went on to become the commander in chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. In all the years that followed in his long career, this man, George Washington, was never once wounded in battle.

    Fifteen years later, in 1770, George Washington returned to the same Pennsylvania woods. A respected Indian chief, having heard that Washington was in the area, traveled a long way to meet with him. He sat down with him and discussed the events of that day recalling his orders to have the officer shot and then his orders to cease fire as he realized he was under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit. He then said, “I am old and shall soon be gathered to the great council fire of my father’s in the land of the shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak this voice of prophecy: Listen! The Great Spirit protects you and guides your destiny—you will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail you as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.”

    This story of God’s divine protection and of Washington’s open gratitude could be found in many school textbooks until the 1930’s. Now few Americans have read it. Washington often recalled this dramatic event that helped shape his character and confirm God’s call on his life.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

Though ten thousand are dying around you,

These evils will not touch you.

Psalm 91:7 NLT

Holy Father, it strengthens our faith to hear this story of a man who you prepared to lead our nation, as you prepared Abraham to lead the Israelite nation. Thank you for your protection of our nation’s freedoms. We ask that you continue to choose men to lead this great nation and that you grant them the wisdom and the courage to lead this nation in ways that you desire.
In the name of Jesus,  Amen.

Terry Smith
Stephenville, TX.