Abraham Lincoln came from such humble beginnings that we marvel at his gifted ability to lead a nation through a Civil War. Author Thomas Ashby said:
"Mr. Lincoln was a giant in height, with a frame as rugged as it was homely and striking in manner and personality… Lincoln was not a man of scholarly education, of wide learning, or of great oratorical power, yet he had the genius of common sense, the faculty of saying and doing the right thing at the right time. His knowledge of men, his clear views of the political situation, his powers of leadership were phenomenal..."
From impoverished beginnings in a small cabin in Kentucky, few could predict Lincoln would one day lead a nation. Lincoln became President at one of the darkest times in American history. What was the secret to Lincoln's greatness?
First, it was in his personal relationship with Christ. Lincoln's salvation experience has been the subject of considerable debate. It is well documented that Lincoln often spoke of the providence of God, but does history record that Lincoln had a personal walk with Christ? While doing research on the internet archives of a well-known University I was delighted to find a written record of Lincoln's love for Jesus and his consecration to Christ.
"...A gentleman, having recently visited Washington on business with the President, was, on leaving home, requested by a friend to ask Mr. Lincoln whether he loved Jesus. The business being completed the question was kindly asked. The President buried his face in his handkerchief, turned away and wept. He then turned and said: "When I left home to take this chair of State I requested my countrymen to pray for me; I was not then a Christian. When my son died, the severest trial of my life, I was not then a Christian. But when I went to Gettysburg, and looked upon the graves of our dead heroes, who had fallen in defense of their country, I then and there consecrated myself to Christ. Yes, indeed, I do love Jesus."
Second, Lincoln had a supreme affection for the Bible. Author P.A. Hanaford wrote the following:
"As long as he lived, the President valued the best of Books. One who knew him intimately says, "The Bible was a very familiar study with the President; whole chapters of Isaiah, the New Testament, and the Psalms being fixed in his memory: and he would sometimes correct a misquotation of Scripture, giving generally the chapter and verse where it could be found."
Lincoln searched the scripture for wisdom and direction while leading a divided nation. He leaned on the scriptures heavily after the death of his young son Willie and made scripture reading a regular part of his morning quiet-time experience. His speeches were intermingled with quotes and references from scripture.
It is evident from historical writings that President Lincoln was a man of prayer. A distinguished New York lawyer who was a professing Christian desired a personal interview with the President in Washington. The lawyer went to Mr. Lincoln"s house and met the President and asked him for an interview of one hour. Lincoln responded that his pressing schedule forced him to decline such an interview. The lawyer urged the president that the interview was important. Lincoln still declined the interview.
The Christian lawyer gave up and upon leaving Lincoln stopped him and asked if he could come for an interview at 5 o'clock the next morning. He gladly accepted the invitation and arrived the next morning thinking it to be 5 o'clock. Gazing on a clock located on a street lamp he discovered that he had miscalculated the time. It was only 4 o'clock. He decided to pass the time by walking the grounds around the White House. As he neared one of the open windows of the mansion he heard strange groans of agony coming from one of the mansion rooms. Listening closely he discerned that it was the President who was crying out to God in apparent distress. With burdened heart Lincoln prayed:
"Oh God! I cannot see my way; give me light. I am ignorant, give me wisdom; teach me what to do and help me to do it. Our country is in peril. Oh God! It is Thy country; save it for Christ's sake!"
The lawyer chose not to disturb the president and quietly went on his way leaving the President with his God. On entering the White House at 5 o'clock he mentioned to an usher what he had heard. The usher informed him that the President spent an hour in prayer between 4 and 5 o'clock every morning.
A success prone Christian wisely examines the lives of those who walk with God and seeks to imitate them. Lincoln prioritized his time with God and found it a necessary duty to meet God early each morning. From a self-educated frontiersman with humble beginnings Lincoln rose to greatness from his knees and lived to see an end to a bloody conflict which so divided the American people.
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10. (NIV)
