As we barrel toward September and the fall, most Americans have moved on from the celebration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence back in July of 1776.

But we shouldn’t move too quickly, especially as we mark the commemoration this week of a miraculous and related meteorological event that saved our fledgling nation that same summer. In fact, what happened wasn’t just a historical highlight of the American Revolution and our country’s founding. It serves as a reminder that God can do anything, anywhere, for any reason and through anyone – including you.

During the 53 days between July 4, 1776 and August 26, 1776, the bulk of George Washington’s ragtag Continental Army was in New York. It was a strategic calculation. Considering it the gateway to New England and the communication hub between the northern and southern colonies, the general believed its importance couldn’t be overstated.

Likewise acknowledging its importance, the British sent more than 30,000 naval and military forces to New York to help extinguish the colonists’ rebellion – a contingent that far outnumbered the American troops.

The prelude to the weather miracle began 250 years ago tonight, when British General Henry Clinton led a secret march of roughly 10,000 soldiers through a largely unguarded pass on Long Island, trapping Washington’s men. The maneuver put British forces in position to attack the Continental Army, which is precisely what happened.

 “The Battle of Long Island” (also known as the “Battle of Brooklyn”) was over before it began. Hundreds in the Continental Army were killed and upward of 1,200 were captured. It looked as if the war was over.

But just as the remaining American troops fell back, likely assuming their fate sealed, the clouds rolled in, the skies darkened, rain began to fall, the wind shifted – and a dense fog descended as day became night.

Recognizing an opening to escape across to Manhattan, Washington ordered his troops to seize the moment. Soldiers were ordered into boats. The oars were wrapped in towels to help muffle the sound of the wood smacking the water. The fog was so thick the men couldn’t see more than six feet in front of them.

By the time morning came and the fog had lifted, roughly 9,000 American troops had safely crossed the East River into Manhattan and points beyond. The Continental Army would live to fight another day – and eventually win the war.

I asked longtime meteorologist Matt Meister, founder of “Peaks2Plains Weather,” a private weather firm, to explain what happened.

“Summer thunderstorms ride the ‘ring of fire’ this time of year on the northern fringes of the high pressure that brings the monsoon in Colorado,” he said. “Big clusters that last long enough to roll over several states develop moist cold pools that move with them, and can bring fog with the high humidity. This one in 1776 was good timing! I wonder if Ben Franklin forecast it?”

In the days following the daring escape, Washington and his troops spoke of the “providential” and “miraculous” fog. They took the night’s turn as a sign God’s favor was upon them – and it gave them energy and hope to keep going.

There’s no historical evidence that George Washington specifically prayed for fog, but we do know he regularly asked God for help and expressed trust in His sovereignty. And, as Matt Meister’s analysis suggests, God didn’t have to suspend the laws of nature to provide the necessary concealment for the colonists. He may well have used natural weather—at precisely the right time and place—to accomplish something extraordinary.

Are you likewise in need of a miracle? I believe God is still in the miracle business. He can eradicate “incurable” cancer, heal physical hurts, restore broken marriages, reunite alienated parents and children, and reverse devastating financial situations. In addition to creating fog to conceal, He can lift it and allow you to see what was once hopelessly hidden. He can soften hardened hearts and mend broken ones.

America finds itself in a challenging season. Some things never change. But this week’s 250th anniversary of the Brooklyn fog reminds us that God can change the circumstances. Sometimes He changes us in the midst of them. And sometimes, when we’re stuck, He simply sends the fog — and opens a way where otherwise there may have been no path and no hope.

Paul J. Batura is a local writer and founder of the 4:8 Media Network. He can be reached via email at Paul@PaulBatura.com or on X @PaulBatura.