“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)
There is much to life in faith that requires persistence! Jesus told us to keep asking, seeking and knocking (Matthew 7:7)! We’re to continually seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). We’re told to confess our sins (1 John 1:9), definitely not a one and done thing! To get rewarded by God if we diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)! Diligence implies persistence! Jeremiah said that we are to seek Him until we find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus put it quite bluntly when He said we’re to come after Him daily, picking up our cross and following wherever He leads (Luke 9:23). It takes persistence to follow Him like that! We’re told that as sheep we are to listen, follow and obey (John 10:27). To do that requires persistence!
Likewise, our resistance requires persistence. Resisting the devil is not simply a one-time thing. We are to resist until he flees (James 4:7). And we must keep watching, being alert and resisting as needed (1 Peter 5:8-9, Mark13:33)! Especially in this day of darkness, our walk with Jesus requires constant focus. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him (Hebrews 12:2)! And we must be persistent in sowing good seeds, as we will reap a harvest of whatever we planted (Galatians 6:7). Persistence matters!
Ask God for a grace to be persistent and consistent in your faith. If you have slacked off, confess it to Him and start afresh right now. Pray that your pastor would be consistent and persistent in the word, in prayer and in seeking the Lord. Pray for your congregation to be persistent through this dark hour, allowing God to do His work in them and prepare them for the days ahead. Pray that the churches in our city would be persistent in endeavoring to do whatever it takes to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Thank the Lord for the reward He promises for our persistence!
