So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. – Hebrews 10:35-36
There’s this young pastor in South Carolina who has a very powerful gift of using his words to connect you with His Word. I admit it took me a moment (or three) to get over his age—because it doesn’t matter—since God has entrusted people throughout history to do His work…look at Mary!
The message is about perseverance, so that we hang on to know that it’s faith in His plans, and believe that He’s working…even when nothing seems to be happening!
Don’t stop on six
From the Elevation Church sermon video page:
The Christian life is really great when things are going well. When prayers are answered and God’s presence can be felt. But what about at other times? When it feels like our prayers are going unheard and our efforts aren’t making a difference. It’s in these times when our faith can take the biggest hit. We begin questioning God’s purpose for our lives and doubt gains a foothold in our hearts. When will this season end? And what happens if we don’t see our desired outcome? In the sermon “Don’t Stop on Six,” Pastor Steven explains God’s purpose when we persevere through the process.
This is often how it seems in our lives. Don’t stop on six. You may not see progress, but have faith He is working. Don’t give up and not give it all in the name of the One who gave it all for you!
To paraphrase the pastor: If our prayers were answered right after we prayed, we’d pray all day. But will we pray and believe, even when we don’t see anything happening? Don’t stop short…you don’t know what lap you’re on. Act like every lap is your last…and one day, you’ll be right. See it through in faith.
Here’s a very short clip (3 minutes, 15 seconds) about the Battle of Jericho…where the Israelites had to follow the seemingly insane battle plan of marching around the city for seven days. Nothing happened for the first six…but just as He promised, the walls came down on the seventh, and with it, victory for the Israelites.
Please take a moment to listen to the pastor’s message, and the conclusions he reaches at the end. I hope it helps you!
Today’s soundtrack
For King and Country’s “It’s Not Over Yet” reminds us to hang in there and not give up, because God’s got a breakthrough waiting on the other side.
Catalyzing Agent
This is one of my favorite lessons from the bible, and one of the first that I learned. Never give up, because there is a powerful testimony He’s using you for to build to His glory! Never stop praying, believing, and walking in His Word!
Don’t be afraid or discouraged, no matter how tough things get. Be strong and courageous. Have the faith and perseverance of Job through the hardest ordeals. His plans for us are good, to prosper and not to harm us. Put on His armor every day. Give Him your dreams and trust and surrender that He will do what He promises, and has demonstrated with Abraham.
Do you believe? I do. Blink, and the next thing you’ll be on the other side of the valley, looking back to say, “I see what you did there, God!” 🙂