Strategy
Sam Houston has been a legendary figure in Texas history and Texas hearts. Strangely enough, Houston was not born in Texas. He was from eastern America, born in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Sam Houston had a wild, unconventional early life. There were many turbulent “ups and downs” as he navigated life. While a youngster, his family moved west and relocated to Tennessee. As a teenager, he ran away from home and lived with the Cherokee Indians. His Indian name was Raven. At the age of 19, he served with General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. By the age of 34, Houston had risen to become the Governor of Tennessee. Two years after being elected Tennessee’s Governor, Sam Houston suffered through an embarrassing divorce. It is rumored that his wife was forced to marry him. It was an arranged marriage by her family, and it seems she was in love with another man. Needless to say, the marriage dissolved quickly, and Houston resigned from being Tennessee’s Governor. Houston then moved to the newly formed Arkansas Territory and again lived with the Cherokee Indians.
Sam Houston’s connection with Texas began in 1832. He was 39 years old when he first set foot in the Texas territory. When this territory rebelled against Mexico, Sam Houston helped organize the newly formed Texas Provisional Government. Sam Houston’s involvement with the “Texas Revolution” put him squarely in the crosshairs of the famous General Santa Anna. Santa Anna was a Mexican General who wielded great power in Mexico. As a matter of fact, Santa Anna held the office of President (in Mexico) multiple times between 1833 and 1855. History records that Santa Anna was a controversial and pivotal figure in the Mexican political landscape for three decades. He was even called the “Uncrowned Monarch” of Mexico.
As most revolutions and upheavals tend to unfold, war becomes inevitable. Battles and skirmishes began in the fall of 1835. Wins and losses were seen on both sides of the conflict. With no side seemingly able to claim victory over the other, Santa Anna stepped into the war. Santa Anna vowed to personally crush those involved in the Texas rebellion. Not long after Santa Anna assumed control of the Mexican forces, Sam Houston was selected to be the leader of the Texas army. Again, wins and losses mounted for both the Mexican and the Texan forces.
In the spring of 1836, a decisive battle took place. It turned the tide of the conflict and brought ultimate victory for the Texas forces and settlers. On April 21, 1836, leaders of the Texas military discussed battle tactics. There were many opinions and strategies. General Sam Houston listened as his advisers discussed, debated, and theorized what to do with Santa Anna’s formidable forces. After the conversation seemed to be accomplishing nothing, General Houston looked at his watch. It was 3:30 in the afternoon. He dismissed the council and announced, “We are going to attack now!”
What took place was called the Battle of San Jacinto. General Sam Houston marched his army to where he knew Santa Anna’s forces were located. The Texas army was outnumbered 2-1. The Mexican army had far superior artillery numbers and weaponry. Sam Houston knew he had the smaller army, but he also knew that Santa Anna took an afternoon nap each day at 4 p.m. (as did much of the Mexican Army). The battle lasted eighteen minutes. Texas forces lost 18 men, while Mexican forces had 650 men killed (1/2 of the Mexican Army). The remainder of Santa Anna’s forces were either wounded or captured. While Santa Anna fled the battle scene, he was captured the next day. Santa Anna signed a treaty of peace in exchange for his life. This paved the way for Texas independence. General Houston won this key battle not by military might, but by brilliant strategy.
I share this story to bring home the point that a battle goes on every day in our world. I’m referring to a spiritual battle. This battle is part of a war for the soul of humanity. Satan has a strategy for our defeat. Ephesians 6 tells us to resist the strategies or schemes of Satan, our enemy. Let me remind you that God also has a strategy for each Christian. Jesus has won the war for our salvation. He gave His life as a ransom for each person. While the battle is won by the redeeming work of Jesus, the sad reality is that many people fall for Satan’s schemes. Which strategy will you follow as you live your life? Will you follow God’s saving plan? Will you be deceived by Satan’s damning strategies and lies? God’s plan is found in the Scriptures. Seek it. Find it. Follow the way of Jesus. Keep looking up!