Finding Strength in the Face of Adversity: The Power of Perseverance

Persistence is the unwavering commitment and determination to achieve a goal despite challenges, setbacks, or obstacles. It involves maintaining a steadfast attitude, pushing through difficulties, and staying focused on the desired outcome. In the context of faith and spiritual growth, persistence often entails continuous prayer, unwavering belief, and an unyielding pursuit of divine alignment.

The stories of the Persistent Widow before the Judge and Elisha exemplify the transformative power of persistence, emphasizing that enduring dedication and an unshakable resolve can lead to remarkable outcomes. Overall, persistence is a virtue that transcends various aspects of life, illustrating the resilience needed to overcome difficulties and achieve long-term success.

Is it possible to align so closely with God that your persistence becomes irresistible to Him? 

The Persistent Widow before the Judge (Luke 18:1-8): In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the parable of the persistent widow who approached an unjust judge seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of fairness is an inspiring example of unwavering faith. Despite repeated rejections, she refused to give up, and eventually, the judge granted her request. This story reminds us that our continuous and fervent prayers can capture God's attention and lead to the manifestation of His justice.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow - Luke 18:1-8

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town, there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

For some time, he refused. But finally, he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'"

And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Elisha's Insistence to remain with Elijah:

In the face of challenges, Elijah tested Elisha's commitment at each step of their journey. Three times, Elijah urged Elisha to stay behind, suggesting an easier path, but Elisha's response echoed unwavering determination. "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you," declared Elisha. Despite the repeated attempts to divert him, Elisha persisted, embodying a profound spirit of perseverance. His refusal to give up showcased a resilient resolve, emphasizing the power of persistence in the pursuit of a divine calling.

This interaction is found in 2 Kings 2:1-6:

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel."

But Elisha replied, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So, they went down to Bethel.

The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, "Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?"

"Yes, I know," Elisha replied, "so be quiet."

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho."

And he replied, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So, they went to Jericho.

The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, "Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?"

"Yes, I know," he replied, "so be quiet."

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan."

And he replied, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So, the two of them walked on.

The reward of Elisha's persistence is in receiving a double portion of Elijah's Spirit:

The story of Elisha's journey toward becoming a prophet is marked by persistent insistence. In 2 Kings 2:9-15, Elisha persistently accompanied Elijah, demonstrating a commitment that went beyond mere desire. Through his unwavering determination, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's spirit, symbolizing the depth of his alignment with God.

(2 Kings 2:9-15): 

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"

"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.

"You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not."

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

Elisha then picked up Elijah's cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. "Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, "The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

There are moments when the climb seems steep, and the path appears arduous. Yet, in those challenging times, it's crucial to remember that just beyond the struggle, beyond the fatigue, lies the destination you've been striving for. Don't give up; you're on the brink of a breakthrough. The strength you've shown, the perseverance you've displayed – it's all leading you to the realization of your dreams. Keep going, for on the horizon of difficulty, the dawn of success is often just a step away. Embrace the challenges as a testament to your resilience, and press on with the knowledge that you're almost there.

Amanda Allen

www.KingdomRevelations.com