WIN PEACEFULLY

January 4, 2026

The American Revolutionary War ended September 3, 1783, but the troops weren’t getting paid.  Many soldiers thought Washington must declare himself king so that he could make people pay taxes to support the army.  Others thought Washington had to be replaced as head of the army.  Many thought that citizens had to be forced to pay the army at the point of bayonets.

Officers met to decide what to do.  Washington called for his own meeting of the officers on Saturday, March 15, 1783.  This has been called the most important single meeting in American History!

When Washington stood before his officers, he felt their resentment and anger towards him for the first time since the war began.

Washington gave a speech requesting patience, suggesting that the new nation would, in time, do right for its soldiers.  The officers seemed unmoved.  They were on the brink of mutiny, which would have destroyed our democracy.

Finally, Washington said that he wanted to read a letter of support from a congressman.  He reached for his spectacles.  His army had never seen him wear glasses.  He said, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

At this, the hardened soldiers began to weep.  The mutiny was over.  The officers backed down, and our democracy was saved.

Washington later thanked the Ruler of the Universe, “The Greatest and Best of Beings.”  God had given Washington another victory, this one was won peacefully.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Win Peacefully” from Judges 6:11-23.  We’ll look at “Win with God,” verses 11-16; and “Have Peace with God,” verses 17-23.

Let’s enter the new year as winners, victorious over sinful habits, worry, frustration, bitterness, loneliness and inadequacy.  Remember, there’s victory in Jesus!  Pray that our church will have its greatest year ever as we catch a vision of reaching people for Christ!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Jim Meek