THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE

THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE
Text: Galatians 6:9

 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.''

Persistence is not just continuing. It is continuing with purpose when it would be easier to quit. God does not reward starters, He rewards finishers. September will not reward the talented alone, it will reward the PERSISTENT.

1. WHAT IS BIBLICAL PERSISTENCE?
Holy stubbornness. Luke 11:8 Greek word anaideia - shameless audacity. It means you refuse to be denied until God answers.

2. FIVE PILLARS OF PERSISTENCE

A. Persistence in Prayer - Luke 18:1-8 The Persistent Widow

- Jesus said men ought always to pray and NOT faint.

- The widow had no position, no power, but she had persistence.

- If persistence moves an unjust judge, how much more will it move a righteous Father?

B. Persistence in Doing Good - Galatians 6:9 Our Anchor

- Paul says don't grow weary. The enemy's strategy is weariness, not defeat.

- Your service, your giving, your work in the Kingdom - God is watching.

- There is an _appointed time_ - Kairos. You have a due season. But only if you don't give up.

The harvest is tied to persistence.

C. Persistence in Love - 1 Corinthians 13:7, Ruth 1:16-17

- Love _bears, believes, hopes, endures all things_.

- Ruth persisted with Naomi: "Where you go I will go." That persistence moved her from a Moabite widow to the lineage of Christ.

Love that is seasonal is not love. Godly love persists.

D. Persistence in Purpose & Faith - James 1:12, Hebrews 10:36, Genesis 32:26

- James: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial.

- Hebrews 10:36 - You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

- Jacob: "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

- Don't let go of God's promise until it blesses you.

E. Persistence in Spiritual Pressing - Philippians 3:14

- Paul: "I press toward the mark."

- You cannot be carried into destiny. You must press into it.

- Persistence is pressing when there is pressure.

3. THE ENEMIES OF PERSISTENCE

1. Weariness - Gal 6:9

2. Distraction - Luke 10:40 Martha

3. Discouragement from delay - Habakkuk 2:3 "Though it tarries, wait for it"

4. Opposition - Nehemiah 4 - They built with one hand and fought with the other, but they persisted and finished the wall!

4. THE REWARDS OF PERSISTENCE

- You will reap - Gal 6:9

- You will overcome - Revelation 2:10 "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life"

- You will possess your possession - Israel persisted 7 days around Jericho. On the 7th day, the wall fell.

Conclusion & Altar Call:
Some of you are on the verge of your harvest. This is not the month to quit. This is the month to persist.

Tell your yourself: I WILL NOT GIVE UP!

*Prophetic Declaration:* September will reward the persistent! Your prayer will be answered and your harvest will come!