| John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, was the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence. His large signature on that document became famous, and is the reason for the saying, “please put your John Hancock on the dotted line.” Hancock said this about his large signature: “There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!” He, along with his friend Samuel Adams, managed to escape British arrest on numerous occasions. In addition to serving in the Continental Congress, Hancock was instrumental in raising money for the Revolution, he helped to secure troops, and was influential in getting naval forces organized. Although not as famous as many other founding fathers of America, Hancock’s influence and inspiration in early America is undeniable. Equally undeniable is his unfaltering faith in God. Writing about the War for Independence, Hancock said: “In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness.” America is once again facing dark and difficult times, one in which Christians must display confidence in a sovereign God who rules the entire universe and all that is in it. God is more than able to defeat the enemies of Christianity and cause their plans to be of “none effect.” “The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalms 33:10-12). We can best show our confidence and trust in God to the world around us by living Godly, obedient lives. Our confidence in God should also drive us to our knees, begging Him to change the course that America seems determined to follow, and for His will in the upcoming election. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4). |