The story that follows is about a persistent woman who went to a judge and never gave up. Jesus commended the woman for her perseverance. In these early morning hours I keep thinking about not giving up. Perseverance means:

continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness

She never gave up. How many times do we give up serving God or give up on our dream because we feel like we are not getting anywhere? The doors are not opening? Are our prayers hitting the ceiling?

Ask God for his strength. He will help you keep going, even when you feel like giving up. When life is lived His way, it brings clarity. Simple reading God’s word can dissolve confusion.

Keep praying for your children. Keep planning for that dream to grow fruit. Praying for our children and our loved ones can quiet the enemy’s voice . It can help us better identify and control the thoughts that we allow in our minds. Oh… the thoughts that I allow to take roots sometimes. How many times have I thought about it, rehearsed it, talked about it instead of prayed about it?

Know through our prayers we can build a barrier against anything that opposes the sound mind that God gives us all. Our prayers have power not because of who we are  BUT who we are praying to and that gives us hope. Hope does not disappoint. Just like the song lyrics,

~~~Our hope is in YOU LORD all the day long. I won’t be shaken by drought or storm,
A peace that passes understanding is my song, And I sing, My hope is in You, Lord ~~~

So this morning, join me in reading the word of God. Quiet the voice of the enemy. Stand on the promises of God for my children and yours. Speak of the dreams that are in your heart to the maker of your soul.

Lord, show me the steps. Forgive me for the times I have allowed bad fruit to take seed and grow. May we run and not grow weary. May we step out in faith into the Jordan river knowing you will meet us there. May we know and believe that obstacles cannot stop us and problems cannot stop us. Other people and their opinions cannot stop us. The only thing that can stop us is US.  Lord, I ask for a new pouring out of wisdom and strength and perseverance to run this race. Help me hold onto your promises. When My thoughts or the world tells me to give up, my hope in you says try it one more time ~ Amen ~

In His love and Mine too,

Darla

Luke 18:1-8The Message (MSG)

The Story of the Persistent Widow
18 1-3 Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’

4-5 “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”

6-8 Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”