What would you do if you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to row or swim against the tide in a river? Would you give up or sum up all your energy and row upstream?
In such a situation, one does not rely solely on strength but also skills, tactics and training. In Ecclesiastes 9:11, we learn that the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
This verse teaches us to press on long enough and ignore forces against us. However, most of us are not that relentless or persistent in prayers. We quickly dismiss God because we feel He is not answering in a way, fashion or time frame we want him to.
You can be in a situation where you feel like giving up, but if you push and ask, God will answer. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says that we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.
God fulfils every word he gives. This is witnessed through the faith of the Canaanite Woman who requested Jesus to cast demons from her daughter. Jesus does not respond, and his disciples urge him to send her away, but he declines. The woman persists, kneeling before Jesus and pleading for his assistance. Impressed by her unwavering faith, Jesus grants her request, and her daughter is instantly healed.
When God is in a matter, it doesn’t matter how long it takes. He will still fulfil it. Do not lose focus or jaywalk – crossing or walking in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic. Don’t be aimless in the way you do your things. Proverbs 4:25 encourages you to look straight ahead and fix your gaze directly before you. In everything you do, do it for the glory of God. Trust in God’s strength. Be strong and courageous; the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Be persistent, and embrace Goal oriented living. That is living with a sense of purpose and direction. Ask yourself what is your purpose in life. 1 Corinthians 9:24 encourages us to run in such a way as to get the prize in a race. Let us seek heavenly rewards to press on and keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate price. Great is your reward in heaven.
Joshua 1:9
2 Chronicles 15:7
Psalms 28:7
Proverbs 4:25
Ecclesiastes 9:11
Matthew 15: 21-28
Luke 6:23
Luke 18:6-10
1 Corinthians 9:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
2 Corinthians 4:8-9