My wife and I had the privilege of visiting Old Fort Erie last summer. 

Just to give a bit of background information, the Niagara region of Canada is rich in War-of-1812 history. This war, between the United States and Great Britain, was fought on primarily on what is now Canadian soil. The reasons behind the war vary, depending on whose history books you read, as does the outcome; but both sides agree: Some of the bloodiest battles over the course of the three year war were fought in the Niagara region of what is now Canada, and the bloodiest battle ever fought on Canadian soil was fought over the possession of Fort Erie. 

As history records, the British armies suffered significant casualties in the Niagara Region. Some of the most famous battles – the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and the Battle of Chippawa, both in July 1814, go down in history as American victories. Just south along the Niagara River, the American attack on Fort Erie in May of 1813 resulted in the garrison of British and Canadian troops dismantling the fort and fleeing.

In December 1813, it looked like the tide had turned in favor of Britain. The American army was forced back across the Niagara River, and returning British troops attempted to rebuild Fort Erie. On July of 1814, however, another American force crossed the Niagara River and recaptured the fort. The bulk of the US army then marched north to fight the main British forces in the area, and the US forces left at the fort began to expand it and reinforce its defences; and after their victories at Lundy’s Lane (Modern day Niagara Falls) and Chippawa (just a few miles south), the American forces withdrew to Fort Erie. 

In August of 1814, the British launched a four-pronged attack against the fort, hoping to regain it. The well-prepared American defence pushed them back, causing the British to lose over 1000 men. The British attempted once again to seize the fort in September of the same year. Again, they were pushed back. 

Now I could go on telling this bit of history, but I would like to pause here for a moment. If you were a resident of British North America, and you saw how the Americans were defeating your own armies in just about every battle and how each British attempt to overtake the fort ended in defeat… well let’s just say if I had been there, I would have been pretty discouraged! 

But none of that was the end of the story. In the fall of the same year, American soldiers were called to the Eastern Seaboard, as the United States came under British attack there, and with winter approaching, the Americans destroyed the fort and in November of 1814 they withdrew to across the Niagara River for the last time. The Treaty of Ghent was then signed December 24, 1814, ending the war, and even though there is some argument about who “won” the war, the facts are clear: The Canadian/American border in the Great Lakes region did not move. It continued to run down the middle of the Great Lakes and the Niagara River, as it continues to do today. 

Things happen in life. Bad things. And sometimes those bad things continue to happen, heaping upon us discouragement upon discouragement. We find ourselves in the shoes of the residents of the Canadian side of the Niagara River feeling pretty low with no hope in site. 

We’ve all been there. Some of us are there right now, and if you aren’t, I will have to be the “Debbie Downer” and say that it is inevitable you will be there again. But the message of the Old Fort Erie is clear: Don’t despair! The enemy may have won a few battles, but God is in charge of the war! Just because you don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Just like those American soldiers were suddenly called to a different part of the battle and retreated off of Canadian soil, abandoning the fort, God isn’t finished with your situation either! Not until He has brought some glory to it! 

So what do you do when it looks like there is no hope in sight? You, “… throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” And you “… run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1b,2a NIV) Remember that Jesus knows all about disappointment and heartbreak, yet it was, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b NIV). Also remember, God knows all about how to bring good out of bad situations: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Things looking pretty grim? Remember the story of Old Fort Erie! God will turn it around!

Inspired by Rob Chaffart
Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries