Duty is Ours; Results are God's

One of our favorite quotes at iVoterGuide is the one above from John Quincy Adams.

At some point during his 28-year battle for the emancipation of slaves, a reporter asked John Quincy Adams how he kept going when the cause sometimes seemed hopeless. Adam’s simple response was, “Duty is ours; results are God’s.”

Adams never shirked his responsibility or stopped working for the cause of freedom; yet, he acknowledged and understood that God is sovereign no matter how things might look from an earthly perspective.

About a month ago, I asked our Director of Strategic Operations, “Who do you think will win the presidency?” His response came not only with an answer, “Only God knows who will be declared the winner,” but also with a question . . . "Considering Job 1:20, are you preparing to humble yourself and worship God on November 6, regardless of the outcome? If not, we have made an idol of government, politics, our electoral system, and even candidates."

As we continue to wait on election results in many states and digest what it all means for the future, let’s remember to have an eternal perspective and even think about the multi-generational impact we can have as we use our platform for truth to proclaim God’s word and become catalysts for Biblical worldview discipleship.

As Adams was tirelessly working to free slaves, he took a freshman legislator under his wing. In 1848 Adams died before slavery was abolished. He never got to see the full fruit of his work. But that didn’t matter. He wasn’t in control of the results, and he had done his duty.

The legislator ended up running for office . . . many, many times. He was elected to the U.S. House but then lost the nomination for U.S. Senate, not once, but twice.  He also lost the nomination as Vice President for the Republican party.  Finally, in 1860, he won the nomination for President.  The legislator’s name?  Abraham Lincoln.

In God’s timing, the fruits of Adams' labor — and the labor of so many others—was brought to fruition.

So, what can we take from this story and this election? 

First, God is sovereign.  According to Daniel 2:21, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding . . .” 

Secondly, our work is far from over.  Whether victory was ours during this season or not, we must do as John Quincy Adams did and see this race as a marathon, not a sprint. Every single act of obedience done in His name will bear fruit in His time. God calls us to be good stewards of all that He entrusts to us, which includes voting wisely. 

Finally, as I discussed in an earlier email about voting biblically, we must continue the work of holding all issues and candidates up to the truth of God.  Whether in victory or defeat, we must take a strong stand and work for the pre-born, for traditional family values, and for the freedom to share and live out the Gospel of Christ.

iVoterGuide will be there for your upcoming elections in faithful service to our Lord and to you, the Judeo-Christian voter.