Day 4 - PRINCIPLES OF EMPOWERMENT - The Empowerment of Persistence
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Persistence Definition: Firm continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. The quality that allows someone to continue doing something even though it is difficult or opposed by negative factors.
Few things sap your energy, motivation, and power to take action more than weariness of body and mind.
It is well known that a lack of proper rest is a major contributor to emotional and physical distress. The physical aspects of tiredness are obvious, but the emotional and spiritual aspects of a lack of rest are less obvious. What is at stake is your willingness to keep on “doing good.” In a world full of takers and people needing empowerment, we need those who give and empower. We need you, if you’re one of those people who give.
Persistence is more than not quitting. Persistence is maintaining willingness--which is not as easy as it seems. We persist and maintain a spirit of willingness in three ways:
Prayer: Communication with God, empowerment for people, influence over circumstances
Personal Power: Your ability to influence or change an outcome.
Purpose: Fulfilling your assignment(s)
On the matter of prayer, Jesus taught in Luke 18:1, Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
In this story, God is not the stubborn, unjust judge. He is exactly the opposite. We should identify with the widow who knew she had every right to come and expect help.
In the end, the challenge is not about the willingness of the judge or God. The challenge is found in our willingness to be persistent and personal with God.
Reflection Question: What does persistence look like in your life today?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:
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