Devotionals

Holding Fort Altoona

by Anne Adams
07/29/26
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 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him … Job 13:15a

During the Civil War  in 1864 when the Confederates attacked the Union Fort Altoona the battle-weary  defenders were ready  to surrender - until they saw the distant signal flags that promised relief and rescue. It was a reassuring message: “Hold the fort; I am coming. General Sherman.” So they fought on, and when rescue came the enemy retreated. The defenders continued to fight because they trusted the one who promised.

This was the story later repeated by Major Daniel Whipple, former Union officer who became a Christian evangelist and the account inspired his music director Philip Bliss who expanded the story into a well loved hymn, "Hold the Fort." 

In Scripture, the Christian’s spiritual journey is often compared to a soldier in battle as we struggle against discouragement, fear, sin and evil as we rely on God's promises of his presence and for deliverance. And all we have to do is trust he will respond so we may continue the battle.  

 Bliss’s words depicted this struggle :

“Ho! My comrades, see the signal

Waving in the sky!

Reinforcements now appearing,

Victory is nigh!

“Hold the fort, for I am coming,”

Jesus signals still,

Wave the answer back to Heaven, -

“By Thy grace, we will.”

After all, we continue the struggle because we trust the one who promised.