Those committed to a just cause typically face stubborn obstacles. Ideas that challenge the status quo often take centuries to become generally accepted—witness the long and continuing struggle for equal opportunity regardless of gender, race, or class. But people grasped by an unselfish cause have an inexhaustible source of energy to draw from—the ever-new spirit God puts in our hearts (see Ezekiel 11:19).
History shows that the denial of basic rights tends to compel courage and perseverance that lead to uprising and victory. While people may differ over the rightness of particular causes, the Revolutionary War in the United States offers one example of an uprising that prevailed in the face of overwhelming difficulties.
As commander of the Continental Army, George Washington often had serious doubts about his ability to lead, as did many others. Yet following a string of major defeats, when his army had been depleted by losses and desertions, Washington wrote to a colleague, “I will not however despair.” In fact, biographer David McCullough comments that during a period of the war when defeat looked imminent, a new spirit arose among the troops. Their willingness to give all for their cause was key to final victory (see 1776, pp. 247–271).
