(part 3 – continued from same day)
This requires another P word that we’re often not big fans of ~ PERSISTENCE.
Recently when we seemed to not be getting the answers we needed in one area, we asked the Lord if He was just not wanting to speak to us about that right now and whether we should stop seeking about it. His response was that we were not to stop seeking, but that we were to keep pressing in even more. He immediately answered my question with,
“Ask and keep on asking and you will receive; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7 and Luke 11 AMP).
Though other translations do not draw out this dimension of persistence intended in this passage (by telling us “and keep on asking”…”and keep on seeking”…”and keep on knocking”), the Amplified has version has best captured Jesus’ meaning (as contained in the Greek verb tenses He used). He brought multiple confirmations of this passage and theme. (In fact, I just noticed as I was transferring this from email to the blog that this word was also included in part 1 of this message – in the Hebrews 12:1-3 passage – where it says we need STEADY and ACTIVE PERSISTENCE, in addition to our PATIENT ENDURANCE). Among those confirmations, He also took us to the account of the Persistent widow in Luke 18.
Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).
... And
will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He defer them and delay help on their behalf? 8 I tell you, He will defend and protect and avenge them SPEEDILY. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [PERSISTENCE in] faith on the earth? Luke 18:1, 7-8 (see whole parable above)
Often when we don’t find the Lord in the place we’ve typically found Him (through the ways we’ve typically sought Him), it’s because He’s trying to draw us in to a deeper dimension than we’ve ever been. If we give up and quit, we will miss out on going to another level in intimacy with Him and discovery of Him ~ and will miss the answers, instructions, directions, revelation that He wants and needs us to receive to walk out our destiny. He applied these passages on PERSISTENCE not only to our approach to seeking Him, but also to the approach He’s calling for us to take in carrying out the things He’s called us to do. He wants us to develop Patience, Perseverance, and Persistence as we walk out His will. Hope these thoughts encourage and strengthen you in your journey today!
Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] WORKS IN YOU AND ACCOMPLISHES that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it). Hebrews 13:20-21
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will HIMSELF COMPLETE AND MAKE YOU WHAT YOU OUGHT TO BE, ESTABLISH AND GROUND YOU SECURELY, and STRENGTHEN, and SETTLE YOU. To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it). I Peter 5:6-11
I leave you with the confirmation of these messages (on wrapping up confession #10) from Ed’s devo today:
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“I have brought you glory on earth by FINISHING THE WORK YOU GAVE ME TO DO.” John 17:4 NIV
- It is to God’s glory, and it brings Him honor, when we do what He asks us to do.
- COMPLETING and FINISHING THE TASKS GOD HAS GIVEN US IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE – that we DO and not just HEAR – and actually carry out God’s will.
- It goes without saying that we also ought to be listening to know what God is saying before we can even do it.
Prayer: Lord help me to follow the example of Jesus to be one that hears and does what your will is that I may glorify you at all times. Amen. ~ Ed Traut (Copyright, Prophetic Life Ministries)
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Blessings and Prayers! Laura
