What does overcoming by persistence look like? One of the areas of my life that I worked for years to improve was being patient. For years I prayed almost daily for patience. For years it seemed like I made little progress. Then over time I changed for the better. I still need to work on being patient on a regular basis, but persistent prayer over the years made a significant difference in my life. Over time I forgot how I used to be, and I acted differently.
A Persistent Gentile Woman.
Jesus encountered a Gentile woman whose daughter was demon possessed. She begged Jesus to help her. The disciples told Jesus to send her away.
Matthew 15:24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” 25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” 26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” 28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. [1]
The woman demonstrated her faith by her persistence. She knew in her heart that Jesus could heal her daughter and He did.
While Jesus ministered to both Jew and Gentiles, God the Father sent Jesus to minister to the Jews first. God always keeps His promises and He had promised to come to Israel first (Genesis 12:3). The Jews were to be God witnesses to the Gentile nations. Although God kept his promise, they did not. As the early church unfolded God would use the Gentiles in a significant way to tell others about the saving message of Jesus.
You Can be Persistent
Where in your life do you need to be persistent? Is there a sin that continues to be difficult to overcome? As we are persistent in prayer, God will show us ways to be an overcomer. The Lord may suggest an accountability partner, or a prayer partner if we are dealing with reoccurring sins. We may have to develop boundaries that keep us away from what is tempting us to fail. We may want to grow in faith, but struggle to move forward. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as the Lord guides you in what to do. The Lord does amazing things as we spend time in God’s word and prayer.
James 1:4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [2] To hear more about overcoming by persistence, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-a-gentile-woman
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.