Be Persistent!

Be persistent!  The Bible instructs believers to “…not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV).  Thomas Edison said, “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” President Calvin Coolidge stated, “Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence.”

Be persistent in excellence. Excellence is striving to do your best. Excellence is not perfection because perfection is an attribute held only by God. Nevertheless, excellence is a self-imposed expectation to excel to your very best in every endeavor.

Be persistent in good works. Paul encourages the Galatians not to grow weary for in time they would reap, if they didn’t give up (Galatians 6:9).  The Psalmist in the 73th Psalm expressed weariness in doing good because he lost sight of the eternal benefits of doing good. Apply stick-to-itiveness to you good works and keep your heart “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

Be persistent in word. Jesus taught “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37 ESV).  If you say it, then do it. Nothing reveals the character of a man like his word. As much as is possible, be persistent to your word. Napoleon Hill said "Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel.”

Be persistent in prayer. Jesus taught that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1 ESV). Persistently and boldly bring your request to the Lord. Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord and would not let go until he blessed him (Genesis 32:24-26).  Do not grow weary in praying but persistently bring your prayers to the Lord. Follow @pastorbarr

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