In almost any endeavor, persistence makes a difference. One of the most essential qualities of being a follower of Jesus is determination. Jesus is our role model for determination and persistence. We can’t imagine the strength it took for our Savior to journey to the cross and die for our sins as He fulfilled His Father’s will.
Hebrews 12:2Because of the joy awaiting him, Jesus endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now, he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.[1] Persistence is a quality we all need to develop because there will be obstacles ahead that can prevent us from fulfilling God’s plan for our lives.
The journey is difficult, but the Lord says He is with us, and His Holy Spirit lives in every child of God. As we move through challenges in life, we become stronger when we realize that with God’s help, we can endure.
The Persistence of Queen Esther
Haman, an enemy of the Jews, had tricked King Xerxes into issuing a decree to kill all Jews in the Persian Empire. Through the providence of God, Esther and her cousin Mordecai revealed this evil plot to the king. Before going to the king, Esther prepared by fasting and enlisting others to fast with her. She risked her life as she went before the king. A person, including the queen, who went before the king without being asked risked death.
Mercifully, the king granted Esther an audience, which was the first step in conveying her request. The reversals began as a result of Esther’s request. The king ordered Haman, who had wished death on the Jews, executed. Although Haman was gone, the decree to kill the Jews was still in place. This prompted Esther to go to the king a second time.
Esther 8:3 Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews. 4 Again, the king held out the gold scepter to Esther. So she rose and stood before him. [2]
Don’t Give Up
When we fail in life, sometimes, we want to give up. In addition, we need to realize that persistence is not a trait we inherit. Rather, we can develop persistence if we work toward it and ask the Lord for the strength to endure.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to encourage them to keep going. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [3] As believers in Jesus, He calls us to look to Him and persist in our faith, even in the most difficult times. With God’s help, you and I can walk out our faith.
To learn how persistence makes a difference, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-new-edict
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.