“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV).
The honey badger is a creature with ferocious determination. Whether being stung while raiding honey, or fighting a cobra to protect its babies, the relentless honey badger has a reputation for finishing a task regardless of the consequences. Little can stop him. His stubbornness inspires me to set my face like a flint against opposition.
Some Christian circles believe if God wants us to have something, we shouldn’t have to do much but wait. If it doesn’t happen, God probably didn’t want us to have it.
Rubbish!I’ve seen prayer and fasting move the hand of God for individuals who wouldn’t give up. God’s incomprehensible compassion stirs His heart to grant our needs and wants.
Consider Jacob in Genesis 32, who demanded God bless him. He refused to stop wrestling with God until he got what he wanted.
Who talks to God that way? That’s tenaciousness.
Matthew 15 reveals the story of a desperate woman asking Jesus to heal her daughter. He refused her request outright… no doubt to see how resolute she was.
Jesus said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”
Ouch, that had to sting.
“Yes it is, Lord,” she persisted, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Jesus says “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” We read that her daughter was healed that very hour. She got what she wanted because of inflexible determination.
Billy Graham once said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Are you frantic for a miracle? Don’t give up-press in. Like the honey badger, your persistence will pay off and your heavenly Father will run to meet you there.
Passionate about prayer but not sure where to start? Check out Bill Bright’s Guide to Effective Prayer.
