2 Cor 4:16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
"Some men give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before." - Herodotus
Greetings in the name of our risen Savior Jesus Christ! Beloved, I don't believe that there is anyone who could not look at the present state status of our world and suggest that things are difficult to say the least. But, I also believe that our faith in the ability of God's Word should never be diminished. In fact our faith is designed to assist us in the tough times. God has a plan for our lives that we can only fully enjoy if we are willing to press forward and to be persistent. We also need to be consistent in our commitment to God through His Word.
The word "persistent" has many connotations such as: to take a stand, to stand firm, to go on resolutely in spite of opposition. It also means to remain unchanged in a specified character, condition, or position, to continue to exist past a usual, expected, or normal time. The point that I am attempting to shed light upon is the fact that persistence requires an inner resolve to be unmoved or swayed by the external factors surrounding your present position. Too often we have given up or lost hope for something that God has promised us. The Word of the Lord to His people is that we must stand undaunted by the false images of failure and defeat projected by the enemy.
Our ability to remain standing is based upon the foundation that our faith is resting upon. If we are standing upon a hope that has theory, philosophy, and conjecture as its ground of proof, we are destined for defeat and disappointment. However, if we have as our foundation, the body of evidence as presented in the Scriptures our success is certain.
When we persistently pursue the things of the Lord, God promises to be with us even in the midst of our temptations, trials, and tests. The knowledge that God is with us, should help us to garner increased faith, and courage to fight onward until we attain the promised possession.
