The History of the $2 Bill - Lessons on Growth Through Trials

# The History of the $2 Bill

In the spring of 1775, the first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out, beginning the difficult journey of the American colonies to break free from British monarchical rule. As the war continued, the colonies faced an urgent problem: they needed money. The Second Continental Congress voted to issue credit notes equivalent to two million Spanish dollars, and the first Continental Currency (called "Continentals") was born. These bills came in various denominations, including the first $2 bill, issued on May 10, 1775—more than a year before the United States formally declared independence on July 4, 1776. Continental Currency not only financed the war but also symbolized a new nation in a time of great trials. Benjamin Franklin was the first printer of Continental Currency in his hometown of Philadelphia. He also offered inspiring words, such as "Tribulatio Ditat." This phrase was especially used as an inspiration during the American war and appeared on Continental Currency notes. The origin and meaning of this phrase are tied to an agricultural metaphor. Tribulatio, from the Latin tribulum, is a tool used to thresh grain. Threshing involves separating the edible grain from the inedible chaff by beating or trampling the grain. Ditat is a form of the Latin verb ditare, meaning "to enrich." Together, these two words mean "Suffering brings abundance" or "Hardship makes us stronger." Just as threshing removes worthless chaff to produce valuable grain, Benjamin Franklin used this phrase to encourage the American people to persevere through the difficulties and hardships of war, so that a new nation might be established, developed, and become prosperous and strong!

Our Christian life in Christ is the same way. We must go through trials and difficulties to mature in our faith, as the apostle Paul expressed in Romans 5:3-4: "And not only so, but we also glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope." It is precisely these tribulations and difficulties that become the fertile ground nurturing our faith and hope. They are the training that helps us grow stronger in our walk with Christ. Suffering and tribulation are not useless; rather, they help build endurance, shape our character, and ultimately produce hope.

We must always trust in God's strength, bear up patiently, and overcome all difficulties in our daily lives, becoming "complete and whole"—ever more like God's image, as the apostle James encouraged: "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4). Joy in trials is not denial but acceptance—willingly enduring. Testing of our faith is not punishment but training to mature us. It strengthens our endurance and leads to completeness. Our spiritual life becomes strong through the trials that refine us.

Furthermore, through trials and tribulations, we are truly renewed and enriched with experience, like "gold tested by fire," as the apostle Peter encouraged: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, that the proving of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7). When we truly understand God's noble purpose for us through many trials, suffering, and hardships, then we genuinely give thanks and trust in our God. Consequently, we must praise and exalt God's name, proclaim the wonderful works He has done and is doing in our lives, and be ready to serve Him while awaiting the day of Christ's return.

Above all, we know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror of the world, as He declared: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). God does not promise that we will not face tribulations or difficulties, but He Himself has already overcome the world, and He will deliver us from all affliction. Growth comes from trust, not from avoidance. Those who believe in God are matured through trials, fully trusting in the victorious power of Christ!

"Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Glory to Jesus Christ our Lord! We thank Him for continually renewing our strength and supplying all we need to endure every trial and overcome every hardship! Truly, God can do all things! We ask the Almighty God to open the eyes of our hearts in all tribulations, so that we may know His gracious purpose, never lose heart or complain, but in all things and all places; so that we know God is near and walks with us through every path while we are on this earth! Thank you, Lord! Amen!

Through "trials of faith," We bear patience, our spirit stands firm, Ready to endure completely, To fulfill our work, at peace in Him!

God gives us strength each day, Helping us overcome life's long struggles, Remember: God—the Almighty One, Nothing can hinder His work!

Living through trials each day, Rejoicing completely in the Merciful One's hands, We lack nothing, but overflow With power and grace from our Father!

(1) $2 bills are older than the United States, https://historyfacts.com/us-history/fact/2-bills-are-older-than-the-united-states/

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