Persistence and God's Timing

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

02 Sep 2008 06:02 PM

Thanks to The Writing Life newsletter I read about the persistence of Terry Fator, a ventriloquist who entered the America's Got Talent contest. Despite negative comments and knock backs he persisted. He has since signed 'a $100 million, five-year deal to headline at Vegas' Mirage hotel.' All because he persisted.

It's much the same in the Christian life. We need to persist.

Sometimes as friends, wives, parents, neighbors, we can talk and talk about faith and about God but nothing happens. Our loved ones still remain firmly apathetic or antagonistic to the gospel message.

A man in our church found this. Each time the church had a function he had invited his friend along where the gospel message would be presented. Each time the friend refused. He could have decided there was no point and given up asking his friend. But he didn't. This time the man said 'yes.' Maybe now, is the right time for God to speak to and get through to this man.Our church friend is looking forward to seeing how God is going to act.

There are people I have been praying over for years, wanting to see them come to know Jesus. So far it hasn't happened. Should I just give up? No.

I see circumstances changing and know God is at work. He is waiting the right time. It may not be my time. Too often we are working to our agenda rather than God's agenda. But I trust Him to know when the time is right to bring these dear people to himself.

We also need to remember, we are not responsible for the result. Only for telling people of Jesus and for inviting people to places where they can hear the gospel. Paul told Timothy to 'preach the word: be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort ,with great patience and instruction.' 2 Timothy 4:2. It is good advice for us as well.

The other thing is to keep praying for God to provide opportunities for talking about Him. When we ask, you can be sure He will provide them.

Bible verses from The New American Standard Version

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Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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