"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps knocking, [the door] will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

As I stated in the last post, I think we often mistake persistence for more self-effort. If the circumstances in our lives are not working we try something new, and something new, and something new. If we feel as though we are not making head-way we try approaching the situation harder or faster or we try to think of a new angle. However, none of this is God's idea of persistence for those that belong to Him. For those that belong to God life should be rested. Rested in the finished work of Jesus.

Several years ago a friend had a vision from the Lord that was for me. In this vision I was trying to kneed dough, but I was continually trying to forcefully stab at the dough with my finger, attempting to get the dough to cooperate by force. Then, the Lord came and took hold of my hand and gently guided my hand into the dough and I began to gently kneed it. At the time I thought that I had understood what this meant. Now, all these years later, the Lord has reminded me of this, and I have a more complete understanding.

Persistence is continually looking to Jesus. It is not trying new angles, or running harder or faster to accomplish what we want done. I am not implying that we will never have to do anything, but when we are trusting in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us and for us, we will respond when needed instead of running in circles and being frustrated. Asking why God, does nothing ever happen the way I want it to?

Continually looking to Jesus and His grace is the only way. Being persistent in being one with Him is the only answer. God does not come through for us because of anything we have done. He is not looking upon us thinking "As soon as I see that He/She has exhausted all of his/her effort then I will help!" No, God simply wants us to look to Him and trust Him to work on our behalf. The above scripture is not just referring to us being saved from hell. It has to do with our entire lives in Christ. Salvation is multi-faceted and means safety, deliverance, ease, soundness, prosperity, in good condition, not damaged injured or diseased.

So, when you think of persistence, what do you think of? How does the person of Jesus who is grace and truth impact and change the worldly view of persistence? Lets Talk Grace!

Being loved by HIM, with you,
Daveda