Persistence in our faithfulness to God, in our service to others, in our prayers and worship is a key attribute in living a blessed and victorious life. When we persist we stand in confidence, trust and obedience to what God has called us to do, even in the midst of attack, negative circumstances and even those who chastise to quit and give up. We have many Biblical examples of those who did not give up: Noah building the ark, Joseph in prison, Moses in the wilderness, David in exile, Nehemiah building the walls of Jerusalem, Apostle Paul in prison, and Jesus Christ on the cross.
Students understand this principle of persistence in their classes. You persist in attendance, persist in listening, reading & participating, persist in completing assignments. Regardless of your interests in the subject or ability you will find success if you persist…I am living proof of that by completing the 3rd grade and years later earning a Master’s degree. Parents understand persistence in caring for an infant with constantly changing diapers, and filling bottles. Adults understand persistence with keeping a job, paying bills, mowing the lawn, dishes, and daily keeping connected in Facebook. Persistence is a key to our successful living, to keep on keeping on.
In our journey in Christ, we will find difficult trails to navigate, obstacles to climb, temptations to ignore, injuries that slow us down, and others that may say “stop, quit, give up”, but will we continue in faith? Will we persist in confidence, trusting in the Lord for each step of the journey, in joy, prayer and thanksgiving? Persistence is an act of faith in God despite the circumstances surrounding us, and when we persist we will be called Faithful.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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