Loving persistence

 It’s been a long time since we’ve had a baby in the house. But we had a young couple from church over for some grillin’ this past weekend. Their little 9-month old boy was crawling all over the living room. He’s going to be up and walking real soon! He kept coming over to the piano bench, trying to pull himself up. He’d get both hands on the bench and one foot planted… but try as he might, he couldn’t get that other leg straightened out. I was sitting nearby and would tap a stone coaster on the bench just out of his reach. We were all laughing and smiling and encouraging him, “Come on, baby! You can do it! You’re so close! Come on!” Well, he made several attempts that day… but didn’t succeed in standing up. He probably got a little stronger and wiser for the next try though. And we all know, he’s only a day or two away from victory.

We were lovingly persistent with him. Cheering him on, rejoicing and laughing and celebrating his progress. Do you think that’s how God also views our spiritual growth? Can you imagine Him happy and smiling in our attempts? Or do you see Him disappointed because you didn’t achieve victory right away? Believe me, just as we were loving to that baby boy, God is loving, persistent, and patient… with us.

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him.” – Matthew 7:11

·        Your next victory may be only one more attempt away

·        Do not be discouraged and do not be afraid.

·        “Come on, baby! You can do it!”