Persisting

Persisting: to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition (dictionary.com)

In Luke 11, Jesus tells the story of a man who didn’t give up, even though the door was shut and locked to him.  In verse 8, He says, “But I tell you this…if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.” 

I love how our kids teach us things we might not have otherwise learned.  Our little Elizabeth, though not born yet, is teaching me about persistence.  A lot of people (and studies) have their opinions about the make-up of the second child, but the one feature that Elizabeth has taught me is that I need to persist—push ahead—in great joy and with determination, regardless of the opposition standing in the way.  I must admit, far too often and far too easily, I give up and give in to “whatever,” because I’m just too tired to keep fighting.  But what a more perfect teacher than my daughter, who is determined to get my attention, as well as the attention of others, through her actions. My prayer for her is that her determination and persistence will not only continue after she’s born, but will be used for God’s purposes and His glory.

So let me ask you, what are you in need of?  On whose door do you need to keep knocking, even though the way has been shut and locked to you?  Jesus says, “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened,” (Luke 11:9-10).

Father God, thank you that You have brought forth children to show us the way.  When we would quit or would settle for less, the persistent say, “Not me!  I don’t care what I have to push through; I won’t stop till I have God’s very best.”  Father, I pray that we would stand among the persistent and refuse to give up, regardless of the opposition facing us.  It’s in Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2014