General U.S. Grant arrived...
Illustration
Object:
General U.S. Grant arrived to take command at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and discovered that the northern forces were depressed, discouraged, and hard pressed. The troops were short on provisions and their horses starving. You could count their ribs because they were so thin. Chattanooga was surrounded on all sides by the Confederate forces ready to destroy them. Grant was on crutches from an accident he sustained while in New Orleans, but the moment he arrived the whole atmosphere changed for the northern troops. He gave immediate commands to break through the rebel lines to secure relief. Within five days of that order, the line was broken and a food supply became available. An encouraged army was ready to move against their enemy, and the most important ingredient was confidence. They knew that they could have the victory!
Paul writes to the Thessalonians and says that their endurance was inspired by confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:3c).
We too can be encouraged because our confidence is also in our general for life... Jesus. Our resources are unused, courage at a low ebb, disheartenment saps the life -- but in comes the commander, Christ, who leads us at once to a more abundant life. Our foundation is the Lord of hosts.
Paul writes to the Thessalonians and says that their endurance was inspired by confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:3c).
We too can be encouraged because our confidence is also in our general for life... Jesus. Our resources are unused, courage at a low ebb, disheartenment saps the life -- but in comes the commander, Christ, who leads us at once to a more abundant life. Our foundation is the Lord of hosts.
