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Persistence
 
“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Luke 11:9-10

Have you ever watched ants? They are persistent little creatures. They seem to move with purpose, heading either toward their home or on a mission to find food. They will travel long distances, crawl through tight spaces and scale great heights just to find a discarded crumb. Once they do find a food, their focus intensifies—nothing can deter them. If they happen to find a morsel that is too big to carry, no problem; they simply summon other ants to help. Ants are persistent.

Persistence is an aspect of the Christian life as well. In Matthew 24, Jesus says, “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” Likewise, Paul says, “Endurance produces character,” in Romans 5:4. In Luke 11, Jesus invites His followers to be persistent in pursuing their relationship with God. Jesus invites us to ask, search and knock. God answers each of these acts of persistence. Luke writes, “It will be given you,” “You will find,” and “The door will be opened.” The bottom line: God wants us to pursue Him. He wants us to petition Him in prayer. He wants us to search for Him. He wants us to not give up, to knock on the door that opens to His kingdom.

Where do you need to be persistent today? Perhaps it is in prayer. Whatever it is that is ailing you, do not be afraid to ask for God’s help. God hears you; He will answer. Perhaps you need to renew your pursuit to find God. Remember that He is there; if you seek Him, you will find Him. Perhaps you need to renew your faith today. Simply make a fist and bang on His door. Remember, for those who knock, “the door will be opened.”
The Rev. Alex D. Graham III
Associate for Children and Family Ministries
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