3 January 2023 - Persistence

“Strong enough to make holes in the rock are tiny drops of water that persist to fall. Persistence is the attitude that breaks down mountains one rock at a time!” -Israelmore

Persistence is probably one of the most admirable characteristics a person can possess. It’s the ability to be determined to do or achieve something regardless of setbacks.

“No great achievement is possible without persistent work.” –Bertrand Russell

Luke 8:47 (ESV) reads: And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.

In Luke 18 Jesus Christ was teaching, and He used a parable to teach that people ought always to pray and not lose heart or become discouraged. In the story, we see that the widow kept going to the judge to get justice from her adversary. The judge was unjust, yet he granted her request because of her persistence.

Luke 18:3-8 (NKJV) Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

You, who cries out to God day and night, praying and asking for justice, God said He will avenge you speedily.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James 1:12 (NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Persistence is key to life: We must keep the right attitude toward life and God, live with strength and courage, and persist in living for God. Prayer is the source to tap into for strength of God; it builds the essential relationship.

Abraham Lincoln failed in business at the age of 21. He was defeated in a legislative race at age 22, failed again at a business at age 24, overcame the death of his lover at age 26, had a nervous breakdown at age 27, lost a congressional race at 34 and 36, and lost a senatorial race at 45, failed to become a vice president at 47, lost a senatorial race at 49, and then finally was elected president of the United States of America at age 52.

I conclude with Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.