“But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished” – Acts 12:16(KJV)
0ne thing about the arch enemy with whom the believers have to contend is that he is a diehard fighter that never gives up easily. He may depart for a while like his case with Jesus in the wilderness after the three major temptations. It is obvious he never gave up the hope of ruining the plan of redemption because he continued even till the cross; it is rather unfortunate that most Christians lack persistence. They rather give up so soon at the slightest threat of failure. They come to quick conclusion that it cannot work for them.
How soon we turn our back to the devil and problems or challenges of life instead of holding on to victory. The scripture says, “for whatever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” 1John 5:4(KJV). Why settle for failure where success is possible? Why give up where you can hold on and go on? If you fall, you can rise again, for the just man falls seven times yet rises again (Proverbs 24:16).
As Christians, we are troubled on every side but we should not be distressed, we are often perplexed, but should not be in despair, we are cast down but we should not give up (2Cor 4:8-9). We must learn to hold on to our faith in the face of trials and challenges. Patience, persistence or staying power is one of the fruits of the spirit that we must learn to develop. If we hold on, God will make a way out for us. “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” – 1Corinthians 10:13(KJV)
The account of Job is a good example of persistence. Faced with all the life threatening trials and challenges, everything and everyone in his life turned against him, coupled with the loss of his wealth, his children and his health. At the heat of his crisis, the wife suggested that he should curse God and die. Job held on to his faith in God, confessing that his family, business and health will sprout again even though the root is cut off. Job declared, “If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come” Job 7:14(KJV). He persisted till his change came, God restored him and his latter end was greater than the former.
Peter continued knocking until the door was opened; the disciples continued praying without ceasing, until Peter was delivered. You too can do it.
PRAYER: Oh God help me to persist until my change comes.
Rev Diolu Vincent