George Washington – President By Providence

Portrait of George Washingtonin a black jacket and white wig from the shouldres up — Providence had a hand in Washington becoming President [Image from Wikimedia Commons]

American History classes provide many facts about George Washington, the first president of the United States. But there’s always more to learn. What better time to do so than on the occasion of the country’s 250th birthday? That learning might begin by recognizing that George Washington became president by providence.

President Washington And Providence

School children know George Washington commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution, helped found a new nation, and became the first president of the US. What they are less likely to know, if at all, is about the role faith and divine intervention played in his life. From his earliest military encounters, Washington staunchly believed in God’s providence. His survival against unbelievable odds in the French and Indian War led the future president to believe God was directing both his life and history.

Unlike in the 18th centurym Providence is not a familiar word today. This term described God’s will and intervention in human affairs. George Washington referred to “Providence” in both his personal letters and public speeches. In fact, in his first inaugural address, the new president emphasized his view that the just birthed nation was “under the special agency of Providence.” According to historian Frank E. Grizzard, Jr., Washington most often used “Providence” as the word for God and “Providence” served as the key element of the founding father’s faith.

Portrait of George Washington as a young man in a military uniform — His survival of military encounters enforced Washington’s belief in direction by Providence [Image from Wikimedia Commons]

Faith of the First President

Baptized as an infant, George Washington attended the Anglican Church his entire life. Nevertheless, his faith went far deeper than merely church attendance on Sunday. Eyewitness accounts relate Washington engaged in morning devotions. In his personal writings, Washington displayed both a deep reverence for God and a sincere belief in divine guidance.

Washington’s faith shone through in his military leadership. He urged his troops to attend church services, maintain moral integrity, and pray. This military officer didn’t just give lip service to such advice but followed it himself. For example, during the bitter winter at Valley Forge, Washington knelt in prayer seeking God’s guidance and asked for strength to continue fighting for independence. Because of these observed actions, many men who served under him concluded he was a man of faith and destined to lead.

Portraint of a battle scene with George Washington on the right in uniform riding a white horse — Providence protected Washington during the Battle of Monongahela [Image from Wikimedia Commons]

Providence For The Future President At The Battle of Monongahela

The 1755 Battle of Monongahela in the French and Indian War offers the most striking example of divine guidance and protection for George Washington. At this point, Washington was a 23-year-old high-ranking British military officer, a colonel. The French forces and their Native American allies ambushed the British during Washington’s service as an aide to General Edward Braddock. The incident turned into a massacre of British troops. During the intense battle, Gen. Braddock was killed, and his officers were picked off one by one, leaving Washington to lead the retreat. The group of 1,459 men under Braddock at the time suffered high casualties as 977 were killed or wounded.

The military loss stung, but the Hand of Providence was clear. Washington, a primary enemy target, survived despite having two horses shot out from under him and finding four musket ball holes in his coat. Washington attributed his survival to the divine protection of Providence. His Native American opponents in the battle felt the officer had been shielded by a power greater than they, the Great Spirit.

Portraint of Washington and his men crossing the Delaware in a boat with Washington standing — Guided by Providence, Washington devised a brilliant military plan to cross the Delaware [Image by Wikimedia Commons]

Continued Providence Before Presidency

Divine protection and guidance followed George Washington after the French and Indian War. The military officer subsequently led the Continental Army during the American Revolution. During that conflict his army faced the most powerful military in the world and emerged victorious against overwhelming odds. Repeatedly, such as at Trenton, Princeton, and Yorkton, Washington’s troops won battles when their defeat seemed assured. They achieved succes through his brilliant military manuevers, such as the crossing of the Delaware River. Further, he and his troops endured hardships, such as the brutal winter at Vallege Forge.

This impressive track record led many to believe Washington was God’s chosen instrument to create a new nation. Events in Washington’s life had not occurred by chance. They felt God was using him to fulfill a greater plan than simply compiling a great military record. George himself attributed his success and the birth of our nation to Providence. And, as citizens today may recognize, God foresaw the ultimate goal of forming the US years beforehand and divinely led Washington toward that goal. The Father of our County became its first president by Providence.