Persistence is the ability to maintain action regardless of your feelings. It is the ability to continue even when you feel like quitting. The difference between winners and losers is their level of persistence.
As believers in Christ we need to be persistent as the Canaanite women does in Sundays Gospel lesson. Throwing in the towel at any little disappointment can make us not to be able to receive answers to our requests.
God’s time is different from our own. He does things at His own time, and He does not make mistakes, His timing is always right and accurate. His words tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that His ways are not our ways; neither is His thoughts our thoughts.
God will never disappoint any of His Children, but we need to trust Him and keep trusting Him. If we are persistent in good faith, He will give us things that we ask for, in His time.
The ability to persist has to do with our faith and trust in God.
The account of the Canaanite women makes it clear that God can provide what you are asking. The women wanted Jesus to help her in healing her daughter who was possessed with evil spirits. Jesus answered her, but for her persistence.
Some people would have given up at Jesus’ answer but she knew that Jesus is capable of doing what she asked for; she refused to get angry or give up.
If we can endure hardship, if we can preserver, and refuse to give up on God, He will grant us our requests.
Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” Her daughter was healed from that very hour. Humble yourself before God, be persistent in asking, don’t get tired or angry. If you persist; he is merciful to grant you the things you need. Don’t forget that winners never quit and quitters don’t win.
Title: The Canaanite Woman asks for healing for her daughter; Date: ca. 1500; Artist: Flandes de Juan (1465 app.-1519); Building: Palacio de Oriente (Spain); Object/Function: Painting; City/Town: Madrid; Country: Spain; Scripture: Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28
