Blog post by Patriot Academy alumnus Savannah Barry:
Many times, when working to restore the Biblical foundations upon which theUnited Stateswas founded, you won’t see results right away. After putting your everything into this cause, you may find yourself asking, “Why isn’t this working? Why can’t I see change happening?” During the 2011 session ofPatriotAcademy, Rick Green told a story about someone who was put in this exact situation, and it went like this:
Even though the Founding Fathers intended The United States of America to be a nation without slavery, this didn’t happen right away. In the beginning years of our nation’s history, the majority of Congress was opposed to the emancipation of slaves. Despite this fact, one man fought tirelessly for the freedom ofAmerica’s slaves. This man was John Quincy Adams. For 28 consecutive years, he consistently fought for this cause- even when it seemed that he was making no progress at all. One day, while he was leaving the Capitol building, a reporter stopped him and asked why he kept pushing for the emancipation of slaves when it seemed hopeless?Adamsturned, looked at the reporter, and said simply, “Duty is ours, results are God’s.” He then walked on.
In 1847, a man who looked up toAdamscame to serve in Congress as freshman legislator. Soon,Adamstook this man under his wing and became his mentor- they grew so close that this man was a pallbearer atAdams’ funeral. After one term in the legislature this man went home, andAdamslater died after serving 28 years in the legislature- seeing none of the fruits of his labor. Now some time afterAdams’ protégé returned home, he ended up running again for office, and again, and again. In fact, he lost multiple elections, but one of the elections he did win was the most important one- the race for the seat of the President of theUnited States. This man’s name was Abraham Lincoln. He went on to be one the most important Presidents in our nation’s history- and the one who ended up freeingAmerica’s slaves.
Adams’ response to the reporter’s question was an extremely wise one. He understood that you cannot be distracted by what you see when working towards a goal; you have to live by faith and trust that God will bring out the fruits of your labor. While we are leading the change, we must always remember to keep our eyes upon the goal up ahead likeAdamsdid. We must always remember that “Duty is ours, results are God’s.” The Lord knows what He is doing, and He knows when the day will come in which Americans will once again recognize His hand in the affairs of men.
