persistence

The Shunammite Woman: Hospitality and Generosity

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Bible Verse:  2 Kings 4:8-10

8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. 9 She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”

The story of the Shunammite woman, found in 2 Kings, is about the profit Elisha visiting Shunem, where a wealthy and respected figure showed him great hospitality. She urged him to stay for a meal and whenever he passed by, he would stop there to eat. Recognizing him as a holy man, she told her husband, “This man is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof with a bed, table, chair, and lamp for him to stay in whenever he visits us.”

Her story is further marked by a series of miraculous events. Elisha promised her a son, despite her husband’s old age, and the prophecy was fulfilled. However, years later, her son died suddenly, and the Shunammite Woman sought Elisha’s help. Elisha returned with her to Shunem and raised her son from the dead. Later, during a famine, Elisha warned her to leave her land, which she did for seven years. Upon her return, she found her property taken due to her absence, but with Elisha’s intervention, she appealed to the king and had her land restored.

The Lesson: The story of the Shunammite Woman teaches us about the virtues of hospitality, faith, and resilience. To apply these lesson to your own life, focus on being hospitable and generous, even without expecting anything in return. Trust in the process and have faith, especially during difficult times, believing that challenges can lead to growth and restoration. Show resilience by facing hardships with courage and persistence. By sharing your resources to help others and supporting those dedicated to good causes, creating a ripple effect of goodwill, kindness, and compassion in your own community.

Hannah: Prayer, Gratitude, and Keeping Promises

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Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 1:10

Hannah’s story begins with her sadness and her inability to conceive a child. She prayed fervently to God, promising that if she became a mother, she’d dedicate her child to Him. God heard her prayers and Hannah gave birth to a son, Samuel, whose name means “heard of God” or “asked of God,”. In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah pours her heart out to God in gratitude for blessing her with Samuel and fulfilling her dream of motherhood. True to her word, she brought Samuel to the temple when he was old enough, dedicated him to God’s service. God blessed her with five more children, showing His faithfulness to her. Her son, Samuel, eventually becomes one of the great prophets and leaders of Israel.

The Lesson:

Hannah’s story offers valuable lessons that can inspire and encourage us. Her persistent prayers teach us the importance of seeking in God during our times of need, knowing that He hears and responds to our petitions according to His will. This demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of remaining faithful, even when we are facing overwhelming trials. Hannah also represents a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for God’s blessings in our lives. Following God’s answer to her prayers, she remained true to her word, and in turn, God bestowed upon her even greater blessings, emphasizing the importance of honoring our commitments. By following Hannah’s example of persistence, gratitude, and commitment to God, we can overcome life’s challenges with faith, resilience, and a heart full of gratitude.

Ruth: Hard Work and Diligence

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Bible Verse: Ruth 2:7

She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.

Ruth is portrayed as a diligent worker, tirelessly gleaning in the fields from morning until evening, despite trailing behind the harvesters. Her primary concern is providing for herself and Naomi, displaying admirable dedication. It is during this time that Boaz takes notice of her, recognizing her hard work and virtue, he finds favor in her. Aware of Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi, who is his relative by marriage, Boaz extends kindness towards Ruth. He ensures she has an abundance to eat and instructs his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her to gather. Ruth diligently gathers all she can and shares the bounty with Naomi, recounting her encounter with Boaz. Throughout the harvest season, Ruth perseveres at her work in the fields until the harvest was completed.

The Lesson: Ruth’s hard work and diligence demonstrate the lessons of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity. Despite facing challenges and working in difficult circumstances she doesn’t give up. Her willingness to do her best, even when the tasks seemed difficult, inspires us to approach our own work with a similar sense of determination and persistence. Ruth’s story teaches us that with hard work and diligence, we can overcome obstacles and be successful in whatever we do.

God’s Timing

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Habakkuk 2 3

Verse of the Day:  Habakkuk 2:3

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end; it will not lie, if it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

We need to learn patience while we stay persistent in prayer, never giving up, all the while trusting in God and in His timing.  Though we may not know the exact time God has already determined we do know that God keeps His promises. We cannot rush Him, but we can be sure He will not disappoint and while we wait on Him we must remain faithful.  God’s timing is perfect, never late and always on time.

God’s Timing

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1 10-4 1

 

Verse of the Day:   Habakkuk 2:3

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

 

We need to learn patience while we stay persistent, never giving up, all the while trusting in God and in His timing.  We cannot rush Him but we can be sure He will not disappoint in keeping his promises and while we wait on Him we must remain faithful.  God’s timing is perfect, never late, and always on time.

Petition

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James 4:2

Verse of the Day:   James 4:2

You do not have because you do not ask God.

 

If you need something you should go directly to the source.  Take it to God in prayer, be bold and confident with your personal petitions, with the right motives, and be persistent.  If your prayers are not answered immediately keep praying, keep asking, and keep believing.