Persistence Invites Persecution

By Boyd Bailey  
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Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus. Revelation 12:17
 
Has rejection caused you to give up on an opportunity or a person? Are you tired of trying to do the right thing, without experiencing positive results? It is precisely at this point of frustration and fear that God calls us to persevere in prayer, aggressively love individuals and trust in the Lord. Those who give up—give up on God. Like an oscillating fan your faith may waver back and forth between confidence and uncertainty, so hit the button of belief. Stay faithful to Jesus.
 
John makes clear who the devil is most determined to target with temptation and trials: those followers of Christ who keep God’s commands and who are not ashamed of their testimony about Jesus. Satan is not concerned about “Christians” who have no real evidence of faith, who only go through the motions of religion, without a vibrant outward expression of a deep inward work of the Holy Spirit. But the devil is enraged by a person’s persistent love for God and people.
 
“He will give eternal life to those who patiently do the will of God, seeking for the unseen glory and honor and eternal life that he offers” (Romans 2:7, TLB).
 
A faithful man or woman in the hands of God has the attention of heaven and earth. It’s not the individual full of energy at the outset who outlasts others—it’s the wise ones who apply their vigor over the long haul—strengthened by their Savior’s stamina. The fortitude of faith is what forges great relationships and gets long-term results. Anyone can start a race with its excitement and anticipation, but fewer are the runners who climb the hills, overcome the adversity of the elements, and finish the course. You may not be the fastest—you may not finish first—but by God’s grace you will finish well.
 
Most of all stay persistent in prayer. Respond to God as the violin responds to the bow of the master. The Lord makes beautiful music on the strings of a life surrendered to Him. Persist through the pain of rejection and to the pressures of responsibility—all the while remaining in an attitude of prayer. Persistent prayer to Jesus produces His best outcomes. Persistence pays off when you are prepared to move forward on behalf of your Master Jesus Christ.
 
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by Your grace I will persevere with this person and problem in patient love.