Be at peace among yourselves. – 1 Thessalonians 5:13
Union Major General Ulysses Grant began the final battle of the Vicksburg Campaign on this day in 1863. The last Confederate stronghold along the Mississippi River initially rebuffed Grant’s attacks. A week after the initial battle, the siege of Vicksburg was instituted. The garrison held out over forty days before they finally surrendered on July 4. The victory aided in the Union gaining control of the Mississippi River. President Lincoln said that Vicksburg was “the key to the war.“ A spiritual stronghold may often hold out more than forty days. Some might even last forty years! These strongholds can hinder the Lord from transforming believers into His image. Some strongholds even defy human detection. As you pray for the nation today, ask God to reveal any areas that you have not surrendered to His control.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For for the president to seek God’s wisdom as commander in chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- For Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as they provide military recommendations and expertise to the president.
