Cinco de Mayo and Facing Challenges

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican victory over France in the Battle of Pueblo on May 5, 1862. It is remembered regionally in Mexico, but often mistaken for the most important national holiday in Mexico – Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16 almost 50 years before the Battle of Pueblo.

Three wars in 14 years left the Mexican treasury nearly bankrupt.  Benito Juarez, the president of Mexico, issued a moratorium which suspended all foreign debts payments they owed for two years. Initially, Spain, Britain and France advanced troops against Mexico to collect their debts. France, under Napoleon III wanted to take the opportunity to set up a puppet Mexico regime. Britain and Spain did not share those intentions and withdrew.

The Mexican army was vastly outnumbered by the better equipped French army. The troop numbers vary, but the 2000-4000 Mexican army troops defeated the 6000-8000 French army troops. The Battle of Puebla was important for at least two reasons. First, the French army had not been defeated for almost 50 years.  Second, since the Battle of Puebla, no country in the Americas has subsequently been invaded by any other European military force.

The people of Israel remembered significant victories when they were outnumbered and poorly equipped. The battle of Jericho is perhaps the most familiar. Each victory, God made it very clear that He was the One who delivered them.

When you feel outnumbered and poorly prepared, remember to boldly face your challenges because that the Lord will give you victory.

2 Chronicles 20:17
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

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