A prophet of God shared a word with me that they received from the Lord a few months ago; and the word was that the people of God need to exercise Perseverance. The Lord went on to lay out for this prophet how the couples involved in the pursuit of same-sex marriage legislation, when they were initially denied, persevered, and did not give up their pursuit of this endeavor. But God's people tend to give up when there's the least bit of resistance (I paraphrase on this piece). Basically saints, the prophetic word that was received was that as the people of God, we need to learn the Practice of Perseverance.
In order to embrace the Practice of Perseverance, as children of God, we can't be Passive. There are too many believers that are "laid-back" in regards to their faith. Laid back in terms of their commitment to Christ. Laid back in regards to being faithful to the church. Laid back in regards to being industrious and diligent about their ministry and calling. Laid back about the issues that affect our society and the witness of The Kingdom of God. It's not that we don't care, we just don't care enough. This is not the will of God. The word of God challenges us to be "vigilant and sober" (1Peter 5). As believers in Christ we have to become more assertive about the things that God is calling us to do and the things that are necessary to be properly equipped and prepared to fulfill His mission and calling for our lives.
Then if we're going to embrace the Practice of Perseverance, we have to learn how to be Patient. Yes, there are many believers that have a lot of zeal for the Lord and the things that He is calling them to do. But they're in a rush. And when things don't happen "soon enough" for them or in the "time-line" for which they had perceived, then they get discouraged and lose heart and aren't as engaged in the Promises of God. Once again, this is not the will of God. God is not on our time, we are on His. And if you're going to work for God and work with God you must learn how to operate in a spirit of patience. Hebrews chapter 6 says, "be not slothful..but..through faith and patience inherit the promises". It's not just enough to have faith, you must also learn to exercise patience.
A wonderful witness of the Practice of Perseverance is the Syro-phoenician woman (Mark 7). She came to Jesus asking Him to heal her daughter, and He practically ignored her. She could've given up then, but she didn't, she Persevered. When Jesus finally did respond to her request, it was not a favorable response. She could've walked away dejected and disappointed, but she did not, she Persevered. Then she responded to Jesus in faith. In spite of her identified non-Jewish status, she didn't let her circumstances nor social status keep her from receiving from God what she felt she needed. And eventually, in response to her faith, Jesus healed her daughter. This woman Persevered, and as a result, received the blessing she was seeking to receive. Don't give up saints. Keep your petitions and requests before the Lord. In due season He will honor your Practice of Perseverance.
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