We thrive on the immediate and the instantaneous, don’t we? Multi-tasking so that we can accomplish more things in less time is a way of life for many. Instant communication through texting and chatting provides us not only with convenience but the ability to communicate in the moment. Waiting is simply not something most of us have learned to enjoy or pursue. So when it comes to tenacity and persistence, it can be difficult to develop these admirable qualities since so much comes to us so easily.
The truth is, however, that the Bible can help us to gain perspective on the value of being able to hold on, stand firm, and endure. In fact, when Paul wrote to his friends in Thessalonica who were facing enormous persecution as well as some erroneous thinking, one of his major themes was to “persevere”. He knew that on their own they would not be able to do that successfully, but that God would “give them the power to accomplish all the good things that their faith prompted them to do” – II Thessalonians 1: 11. He knew that as they prayed, and as he prayed for them, that God would be faithful to strengthen them and guard them. He understood that acknowledging their total dependence on the Lord would make all the difference.
As one preacher pointed out, “The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him.” Isn’t it amazing that the Most High God has willingly and eagerly invited us to bring not only our praise and thanksgiving to Him, but to talk with Him about our needs and our problems, our desires and our inadequacies so that He can reassure us of His tender mercy and unfailing love? And more than that, we can make a difference in the lives of others by praying for them with perseverance!
