Persistence

Be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable. (2 Timothy 4:2)

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Colossians 1:21 And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him-- 23 provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.

Luke 11:5 And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 And he answers from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. 9 "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Persistence, Steadfastness, Produces Growth in Christ

Some things do not happen without persistence.

Asking and keeping on asking; searching until finding; knocking until the door is open. Praying for healing persistently. Praying for God's will persistently.

For Reflection & Sharing:

  1. Are there situations where you believe you saw things change because you were persistent in prayer?
  2. Can you think of examples in your life where healing took place over a period of time through persistent prayer?
  3. Where have you seen growth or change in your life because you persisted - in prayer, Bible Study, worship?
  4. What are you committed to being persistent with right now in your life? What difference do you believe that will make?
  5. Is there anything you have been praying for persistently right now? Would you like to share what that is?