Persistence (Nov 2)

To persist is to go on resolutely in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning. It is pretty much the basis of perseverance, which is to persist in a state or undertaking in spite of counter-influences, opposition, or discouragement. So, here's my question: is persistence a good thing? Well, it depends on what you are doing or where you are going. I know many people that are quite persistent in their sins against God and other people. In fact, some people seriously persevere in disobeying God, ignoring His call, and throwing out the Word, in spite of all sorts of warnings. So, persistence can certainly be bad, but I want to look at persistence in following God. I want to look at perseverance in faith, no matter what the cost or how much opposition. Earlier this week as we were studying Ruth, I was struck with the level of persistence that Ruth had to stay with Naomi and follow her back to God's people. Naomi tried so hard to get Ruth to go and stay in Moab, but she demonstrated great persistence. I thought about these things in light of some other things that are going on and some other things that I've been thinking about, and thought that we need to take a look at persistence.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Timothy 3:12-17

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I've been telling you that God is calling you and if you've listened with even an ounce of attention, you know that He is. I've been telling you to respond to His call, follow Him, and obey. Today I'm telling you to keep doing that. If you've responded to God's call, keep responding. If you've followed Him, keep following Him. If you've obeyed Him, keep obeying Him. It's called persistence. We need to follow God and persist in following. We need to trust Him today, and also persist in trusting Him every day. We need to surrender to Him and be filled with His life today. We need to persist in that every day, too. It's been said to keep on following God. Well, keep on keeping on.

1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Acts 2:38-47

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

So, if you've been persisting in sin, turn your ear to God and you'll hear Him calling you. He's showing you your need for Him and the glorious goodness of His heart. Turn to Him and He will make you a new person. You'll be different and you'll be following Him. And if you're following Him, persist in following! Don't quit. Don't give up. Follow Him every day! Even when times get tough or you face some opposition or persecution, persevere!