I recently completed my second reading of David McCullough’s wonderful work, 1776. Without a doubt this is now one of my favorite historical books. The book provides an amazing account of just how close our great nation was to losing the very foundations that ultimately made it a nation. There were numerous circumstances, hardships, relationships, and providential interventions that lead to an amazing course of events that changed the entire world and resulted in a culture that was distinctively Christian and determined for freedom. McCullough has done an amazing job to show the great sacrifices that the colonies underwent, and has accurately shown the heart and character of the great man that stood as an unflinching leader in the face of almost impossible circumstances – George Washington.

Washington had very obvious limitations: he wasn't a scholar; he wasn't a great orator like Patrick Henry, he didn’t possess a great military genius, as was obvious by the many blunders that he made as a leader. Although he was a gifted man, he had no distinctive ability that stood out and dazzled those that would scrutinize great abilities that are often marked in great leaders.

What he did have is something that McCullough captured in a most beautiful way-- character, steadfast uncompromising diligence in an extremely difficult situation. He could take the blows, and he had an extraordinary self-command, particularly when things were at their worst. When under pressure that few men in the history of the world have ever faced, he was resolute, sober minded, and brought clarity of thought to the circumstances he was facing. He was in the purest sense of the word, a realist. He never tried to make excuses or provide himself with flowery antidotes as to the realities of life that he was facing in the cause. He understood the realities of what was at stake, and he didn’t shy away from his responsibilities. He looked impossible circumstances in the eye and faced them as a godly man.

In my view, one very key aspect of his outstanding leadership was that he understood his own limitations as a man and a leader, and was willing to view himself as he was, not as he would wish himself to be – without being discouraged or losing sight of the objective for the war and his role in it. Most importantly, he never gave up. Again, he was facing circumstances and pressures that few men in the history of the world have ever faced, but he never surrendered to them, he pressed forward, he didn’t compromise. He was a great man, a great leader, and a true testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am humbled the more I learn about Washington, but I am also encouraged. I am humbled because I realize how weak I am as a man, and how I often allow the most mundane things of life to weaken my resolve to press forward in my callings that I have as a man that desires to honor the Lord Jesus Christ. I am encouraged because I see the providence of God in Washington’s life and the example that he is as a man that did not waste his time or abilities, but set his resolve to be steadfast. His heart was fixed and he never wavered.

God almighty in his kind providence directed the life of George Washington, and Washington acted in obedience to his creators guiding hand. It is my hope that I will never neglect the legacy of men like Washington, and that I will be continually grateful for what I have been given. We have all been given much in the history of our nation and much is required of us if we are to honor the legacy of great men such as George Washington.