It was the year of 1861. The first year of the Civil War. Skirmishes and battles became prevalent across the nation. Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was assigned to the US arsenal at St. Louis, Missouri. He had faith in President Lincoln and his mission of equality and preserving the nation. In other words, “the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Missouri was a conflicted state. This state was vital to the Union because of its strategic position in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The governor of Missouri had southern leanings. When asked by President Lincoln to supply four regiments, the governor refuse. Instead he ordered state military units to seize the US arsenal.

General Lyon’s Faith and Foresight

Ultimately this decision led to the battle at Wilson’s Creek in southwestern Missouri. General Lyon led and fought with a faith that Lincoln’s vision for the country could be realized. Nathaniel Lyon solidly stood with freedom for all. He was willing to place his life at the disposal of this mission if need be. In this battle the general fought to maintain the Union’s hold on Missouri. It was with confidence General Lyon made decisions. Furthermore, it was the future he did not yet see that he valiantly fought.

When faced with the Confederate army of 12,000 strong he did not flinch. Though outnumbered by more than 2 to 1, General Lyon chose to attack the Southern encampment. With the element of surprise his army was able to drive the Confederate army back and occupy the ridge. Subsequently, a battery charge by the Confederates stopped the Union from advancing further.

The battle was long. It was hard. Smoke from the cannons and musket fire brought low visibility. The August heat was unbearable, yet they fought on. In spite of the odds, General Lyon knew the importance of retaining Missouri in this fight for freedom for all. Though General Lyon was wounded he did not give up. He led his troops in a charge and then a countercharge. It was during the countercharge a bullet found its mark and General Lyon was killed.

Lyon lost his life, as well as the battle but his faith in fighting for freedom for all was not in vain. Because of his valiant stand and foresight Missouri remained a part of the Union. General Lyon lived forward with a faith that freedom would be won.

Forward Living Brings Confidence

We, as God’s people are in a battle. There is something to be said about forward living. As the months and years of the Civil War rolled by it was fraught with fierce battles. The leaders had to stand for something they did not see. Furthermore, they fought with a confidence that the mission was possible. Without the solid stance and the ability to push onward all would have been lost. Even so, it is with us.

There will be times when the battle is long. The smoke-filled air will cause low visibility. Moreover, we will be faced with hardship, wounds and opposition that outnumbers us. Nevertheless, we must keep the faith and stand strong in the strength of Christ’s mission.

The Mission of Jesus

When Jesus began his ministry here on earth he spoke of his purpose. He came with confidence that his vision for his beloved creation could be fulfilled. He lived forward into what he believed and knew to be true.

It was in the temple, in his hometown that Jesus read the Scripture with authority. Here he reiterated the words of the prophet Isaiah.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

Luke 4:18

The life of faith is a forward living kind of life We must leave behind the past and live forward. This can only be done by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Though the battle rage and the days are long we must stand in solidarity with Jesus, the Victorious One.

Faith and Forward Living

Dear faint of heart, remember the mission. Recall the vision. Live forward. Seek him who perfects your faith and strengthens your soul.

Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. When the wounds of life are broad and deep remember that Jesus came to heal. When you find yourself in captivity, understand that Christ came to deliver. There will be times when life blindsides you. In those instances, hold the faith. Recognize that we must live forward into the fact that Jesus will recover your sight. He is able to release you from the crushing load and bring peace to your troubled soul.

faith

When in the battle and the smoke of the skirmish has eclipsed sight live forward. Be bold. Stand strong. Remember that the life of faith has eyes to see the reality of what we hope for. Though the evidence is not seen we can with confident trust in our Commander continue to move forward. It is in the looking ahead into the face of Jesus that we gain strength to go on. We must stand on the fact that Christ is victorious. As the saying goes, “I’ve read the back of the book and we win.”

Categories: Faith in God

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