Forty Days to November: Day 21 - Responding with Humility

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The book of First Samuel offers a contrast between two very different rulers of Israel: Saul, who relied on his own abilities and reason to make crucial decisions about leading God's people; and David, who chose a path of humility and faith in God.  As long as David chose righteousness, God blessed the nation of Judah.

Taking Fort Sumter,
also called the Battle of Bull Run

Similarly, as the newly split America entered into the "War Between the States", (Civil War), Union President Abraham Lincoln believed that the torn-apart nation needed to turn its heart to God. It is said that both sides, the North & the South, thought this war would only last a few months. On April 12, 1861, history marks the first battle of this war where the Union Army was defeated by the Confederates at Fort Sumter. Perhaps with some guidance by the Holy Spirit Lincoln knew the war would last far too long.  Encouraged by his Congress, Lincoln signed a declaration calling upon all of the American people on both sides to humble themselves in the wake of what was to come. This Proclamation partly reads:

"Therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do appoint the last Thursday in September next as a day of humiliation, prayer, and fasting for all the people of the nation. And I do earnestly recommend to all the people, and especially to all ministers and teachers of religion of all denominations and to all heads of families, to observe and keep that day according to their several creeds and modes of worship in all humility and with all religious solemnity, to the end that the united prayer of the nation may ascend to the Throne of Grace and bring down plentiful blessings upon our country."
 

Anerica would need four more last Thursdays in September.
God does not choose sides. But He delights in those who are humble. (1 Samuel 15:22)

Patriot's Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, teach us godly humility in such a way that we will clearly demonstrate it to others in our lives.

Patriot's Promise: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ~ James 4:6

At Appomattix, Lee & Grant meet to
end the Civil War
April 1865

NOTE: All source material(unless otherwise noted)from God's Promises for the American Patriot by Dr. Richard D Lee & Jack Countryman; In God We Still Trust by Dr. Richard D Lee; and The American Patriot's Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America(NKJV) by Richard G Lee (general editor).