The War of 1812, also known as The Forgotten War carries a very sad chapter for the history of our nation. On August 23, 1814, the British Armyâ€"one of the most powerful armies in the world at that timeâ€"raided and torched the U.S. Capitol and the White House, along with the Library of Congress and the U.S. Department of War. The orange glow of the flames from the burning buildings could be seen for miles that night. The next morning, the structures up and down the national mall lay in ruins, burning, as black smoke billowed above them. But, God smiled down on this new nation that day, for suddenly, a very unexpected, a very uncharacteristic hurricane hit Washington with a driving rain that put out ALL of the fires!

The tornadoes spinning off of the hurricane stopped the British in their tracks, leaving them with no other choice but to retreat.

It was not a powerful ally, or a courageous general that came to push the British army out. The recovery of Washington that day was like the many events in the Old Testament when God used forces of nature to reveal Himself. Throughout Scripture God used a flood, plagues, earthquakes, drought, fire, and even parted a sea to show His power and might.

In 2 Chronicles, after Solomon had finished building the temple and had dedicated it to the Lord, God appeared to Solomon with specific instructions: that in the face of disaster, the people were to humble themselves and pray, seek God’s face and turn from their wicked ways, and then, God would forgive them and heal their land! I believe that on that fateful August day in 1814, the American soldiers were humbly seeking God’s face in the midst of their turmoil. I believe that God looked down on them that night and forgave them and healed their land for the sole purpose of God’s name being remembered in that place forever.

America was a nation built on trust in Godâ€"one nation under God. Our nation has gone up in spiritual flames and our land is in need of the miraculous healing of the mighty hand of God. May we be humble in seeking His forgiveness, and may God choose to heal our land once again.

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, I ask forgiveness for my country and the choices we have made that offend you and sadden your heart toward this nation that was once founded upon your Word. Allow your light to shine through those of us that call you Father. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.