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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Overcoming Obstacles

After wandering around for forty years, Israel finally could now see the promise land. There were, however, obstacles to overcome and fears to be defeated. There was a nature barrier, the river Jordan; and a human obstacle, the idol worshipping people who occupied the land.

The River Jordon was a formidable obstruction. Overflowing its banks at this season, it would present Joshua and Israel, who numbered in the millions, with an especially large and dangerous barrier. It appeared impossible to breach. How would Joshua overcome this obstacle?

On the other hand, there was the problem of the people occupying the Promise Land. That too appeared to be overwhelming. They were not going to take kindly to the new folks in town. They were a fierce foe with fortified walled-cities and large trained armies. They opposed all that Israel believed and practice unthinkable cruelty. How would Joshua and the people overcome this barrier?

Perhaps, at this point, the obvious should be should be stated: Obstacles are never easy to overcome. If they were, then they would not be obstacles.  The barriers that Joshua faced would drive him to prayer; and cause him to wrestle with the Angel of the Lord. 

The first step to finding victory over any obstruction is to get in touch with the God of Heaven. You must know if this barrier is of God or Satan. Balaam ran into an angel from God wheeling a large sword and didn’t know it. It took a talking donkey to make him see clearly what God’s will was. Don’t make the same mistake. Get before the Lord by prayer. Besides, He is the obstacle remover; and you will not overcome the wall before you without Him. It is through prayer to God Almighty that his will and plan is made known.

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The second phase to victory is the plan. Get with the plan! God laid out a plan for crossing Jordan. It demanded faith and obedience. No mountain can be moved unless you believe it can be moved. Marching around Jericho would have been waste of energy if the people didn’t believe the walls would fall.  “Without faith it is impossible to please [God]” and “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Hebrews 11:6 and Romans 14:23).

Nevertheless, faith without obedience is an oxymoron. Joshua obeyed the plan without exception. They crossed the Jordon River according to God’s instructions; and they march around Jericho exactly as God had instructed. Obedience is the result of faith. Don’t be deceived into believing you move any obstacle in any other way than God’s way. Some mountains are ready to be moved but people expect a giant bulldozer when God gives them a shovel. Get the plan by getting in touch with God; and get with the plan!

Thirdly, purpose to execute! The evidence of faith and obedience is when you put your shoulder to the barrier and push.  Talking alone never gets the job done. Be a doer! Purpose in your heart and make it so. The Apostle Paul addressed this point when instructing us how to overcome sin. He said: “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Implement the plan and execute it!

Lastly, if you are going to be a overcomer, then preserve – Stick with it – Don’t give up. The famed coach, Vince Lombardi had it right; “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.”  Winston S. Churchill simply said, “Never, never, never give in!”

You may enjoy these related articles: Yes! You Can! and Magic Pill?