Antietam Hope

“We will stand amazed to see the topside of the tapestry and how God beautifully embroidered each circumstance into a pattern for our good and His glory.” - Joni Eareckson Tada

September 17, 1862 was the bloodiest day in American military history. Between the Union and Confederate forces, almost 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing. Together 7,650 died in the one-day Battle of Antietam (Sharpsville).

Walking through the picturesque battlefield today, it is hard to imagine the horror and violence that transpired 158 years ago. Monuments honor those who fought. Rolling fields and pine forests cover the acreage that had temporarily housed 55,000 Confederate and 87,000 Union solders. And headstones mark the graves of many who died. 

The transformation of that bloody battlefield is remarkable. Today it is a tranquil, park-like place for reflection.

That is what God does. He turns evil upside down and cleans up messes better than before. Because of God’s Word and God’s character, we have hope that a better day is coming, even as battles rage.

Isaiah captures the heart of God when he says, God will give them, “beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3b)

Never give up hope. No matter how painful the day, God is at work transforming evil for our good and His glory. 

Dan Bolin

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc

President