A Study on Persistence
Bishop. Eric Hughes-Lartey, Ph.D., Compiled by Rev. Kwesi
Hughes-Lartey, Ph.D.
Published in Glory Journal
September 25, 2024
Glory Centre Ministries
Introduction
The journey of faith is often filled with trials and tribulations, yet at its core lies the unwavering truth of
God’s promises. In the midst of our challenges, anxiety can easily creep in, overshadowing the hope that faith
provides. As believers, it is vital to remember that God is a God of promises, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians
1:20, where we learn that all of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Christ. This understanding serves to
anchor our souls and diminish our anxieties.
However, the journey toward experiencing these promises is rarely straightforward. Once a promise is
given, we often face a test of patience. God’s timing may seem delayed, leading us to question His faithfulness.
In such moments, it is essential to cultivate persistence and patience—two virtues that enable us to hold fast
to the promises we’ve received. Through the biblical narrative, we find numerous examples of individuals
who exemplified this persistence, teaching us how to navigate the valleys of doubt and anxiety while awaiting
the manifestation of God’s promises.
God’s Promises and Anxiety
Anxiety can be a debilitating force that hinders our spiritual growth and clarity. When faced with uncer-
tainties, it is crucial to anchor ourselves in the promises of God. These promises are not mere words; they
are declarations of His character and faithfulness. For instance, in Philippians 4:6-7, we are instructed to
be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let our requests
be made known to God. The promise that follows is profound: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
This peace is a divine assurance that transcends our circumstances. Yet, it requires us to actively engage
with God through prayer and thanksgiving, reminding ourselves of His promises. When anxiety arises, we
should recall specific promises that speak to our situations—be it healing, provision, or comfort.
**Example:** Consider the promise found in Isaiah 41:10, where God reassures us, saying, ”Fear not,
for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.” This
promise acts as a balm for our anxious hearts, reminding us of His presence and strength.
However, while we hold on to these promises, we must also prepare for the tests of patience that often
accompany them. The waiting period can be challenging, filled with doubts and temptations to abandon
hope. Yet, it is during these times that our faith is refined, much like gold tested in fire (1 Peter 1:7).
Persistence in prayer and unwavering faith in God’s promises will ultimately lead us to the fulfillment of
what He has promised.
God’s promises serve as an anchor for our souls amid life’s storms. By aligning our thoughts with His
truths, we can combat anxiety, cultivate patience, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of the divine assurances
He has given us. As we journey through life, let us remember that every promise requires a response of faith,
patience, and persistence.
The Path of Persistence in Elisha’s Journey
Elisha’s journey with Elijah demonstrates the importance of persistence in receiving divine anointing. In 2
Kings 2:2, Elisha follows Elijah through four key places, each representing a step in the path of persistence.
This journey is not merely a geographical one but a spiritual odyssey that reveals the character of a faithful
believer determined to grasp the fullness of God’s calling.
Gilgal: A Place of Decision
Gilgal is symbolic of decision-making in the life of a believer. It is here that we decide whether to serve the
Lord wholeheartedly. The name ”Gilgal” means ”to roll away,” and it was at this site that the Israelites
rolled away the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9). This moment signifies a turning point, a shedding of past
burdens, and a commitment to a new identity in God.
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In our lives, Gilgal represents those pivotal moments when we must decide to leave behind the distractions
and the weight of our past failures. This aligns with Exodus 4:12-13, where God calls Moses to act in faith,
despite his insecurities. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate or fearful, yet God’s calling often demands that
we step out in obedience, making a conscious decision to serve Him wholeheartedly.
The decision at Gilgal sets the stage for all subsequent actions. It’s a moment of commitment that
requires self-reflection and surrender. The path to anointing is marked by the resolve to follow God’s lead,
despite challenges and uncertainties.
Bethel: A Place of Prayer
Bethel, known as the ”house of God,” symbolizes prayer. In this sacred space, we encounter God and lay
down our burdens at His feet. Here, we mortify the flesh, aligning our will with God’s will. Prayer becomes
a battleground where persistence is necessary to overcome the desires of the flesh.
In Matthew 26:41, Jesus urges His disciples to ”watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” The
significance of prayer in the believer’s life cannot be overstated. At Bethel, Elisha understood that receiving
the anointing required more than mere desire; it demanded fervent prayer.
Prayer is not always easy. It can be a struggle against our own wills, ambitions, and distractions.
However, it is through persistent prayer that we deepen our relationship with God. As we engage in heartfelt
communication with Him, we find strength to overcome temptations and clarity to discern His will. Just
as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, we too must wrestle in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and
empowerment.
The power of persistent prayer transforms our hearts and aligns our desires with God’s purposes. At
Bethel, Elisha’s commitment to pray set him on the path to receive the divine anointing.
Jericho: A Place of Warfare
Jericho represents spiritual warfare. Just as the walls of Jericho fell when the Israelites followed divine
instructions, so too will the obstacles in our lives come tumbling down when we persist in faith. The story
of Jericho serves as a reminder that God often calls us to confront the walls in our lives with courage and
faith.
In Joshua 6, we see that the Israelites were instructed to march around the city for seven days, a seemingly
foolish endeavor in the eyes of the world. However, their obedience and persistence led to a miraculous victory.
This principle applies to our spiritual battles; persistent faith often involves obeying God’s instructions even
when they don’t make sense.
The walls of Jericho represent the barriers we encounter in our spiritual journey—fear, doubt, and
discouragement. But just as the Israelites prevailed, we too can overcome our Jerichos through faith-filled
actions. When we persist in prayer, worship, and obedience, the strongholds in our lives will fall, paving the
way for the anointing and blessings God has promised.
Elisha’s journey through Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho exemplifies the essential elements of persistence in
faith. Each location teaches us valuable lessons about decision-making, prayer, and spiritual warfare. As we
follow in Elisha’s footsteps, may we embody the same determination to persist in seeking God’s anointing
and fulfill our divine calling.
The Promises of God in Scripture
God’s Love Story with Humanity
The Bible narrates a beautiful love story between God and His people, filled with promises that reveal His
heart for us. From the very beginning, we see God’s desire for a relationship with humanity, a theme that
resonates throughout Scripture. In Joel 2:28, we find a profound assurance: “And it shall come to pass
afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old
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men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” This promise speaks of divine empowerment,
a gift freely given to all who believe, regardless of age or status.
God’s promises are not merely words; they are declarations of His intent to bless, guide, and transform
our lives. They invite us into a deeper understanding of who He is and what He desires for us. Throughout
the pages of the Bible, we see His unwavering commitment to fulfill these promises, even in the face of human
unfaithfulness. This love story encourages us to trust in God’s character, reminding us that His promises
are rooted in His goodness and faithfulness.
As we reflect on this divine narrative, we must recognize that it requires a response from us—a willingness
to embrace God’s love and share it with others. Our understanding of God’s promises should motivate us
to live in a way that reflects His love, kindness, and grace in our daily interactions.
Belief and Obedience
Belief in God’s promises is essential, but obedience to His instructions is equally important. The story
of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience,
particularly regarding generosity and honesty. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but withheld
part of the proceeds while claiming to have given all. Their deception not only cost them their lives but
also served as a stark warning to the early church about the seriousness of integrity and the importance of
obedience to God’s commands.
This narrative underscores the principle that our actions must align with our beliefs. While we may
profess faith in God’s promises, our obedience reveals the depth of our commitment to Him. Jesus taught in
John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” True love for God translates into action; it compels
us to follow His instructions and live out our faith authentically.
Moreover, obedience often precedes the fulfillment of God’s promises. As we step out in faith, trusting
His guidance, we position ourselves to receive the blessings He has in store for us. Just as the Israelites had
to obey God’s commands to see the walls of Jericho fall, we too must obey to experience the fullness of His
promises in our lives.
The promises of God in Scripture remind us of His enduring love and faithfulness. Our belief in these
promises must be coupled with a willingness to obey His commands, allowing us to fully participate in the
love story He has written for humanity. May we strive to trust in His promises and align our lives with His
will, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from a faithful walk with our Creator.
Spiritual Principles from Biblical Examples
Divine Blessings and Curses
The Scriptures are replete with examples that illustrate the principles of divine blessings and curses. In
Isaiah 44:3, we encounter a beautiful promise: “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the
dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” This promise
speaks of God’s desire not only to bless us but to extend those blessings to future generations. It reminds
us that our relationship with God can have far-reaching effects, impacting not just our lives but the lives of
our children and their children.
Conversely, Jeremiah 17:5 provides a sobering warning: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes
flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” This verse highlights the peril of relying on human
strength and wisdom instead of trusting in God. It serves as a reminder that our self-reliance can lead to
spiritual failure and ultimately invoke divine curses. The choice between trusting in God and relying on
ourselves is a fundamental one that every believer must confront.
These verses urge us to cultivate a heart of dependence on God, recognizing that true blessing comes
from a relationship grounded in faith and obedience. As we live in alignment with God’s principles, we can
expect His blessings to flow into our lives and extend to those around us. We must choose wisely where we
place our trust, understanding that the foundation of our faith influences not only our present circumstances
but also the legacy we leave for future generations.
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Faith and Works
Ephesians 2:8-10 beautifully encapsulates the relationship between faith and works: “For by grace you have
been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should
boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand
that we should walk in them.” This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, unearned and
given by His grace.
However, it is crucial to understand that while we are saved by grace through faith, good works naturally
follow as evidence of our transformed lives. The principle of faith leading to works is a recurring theme
throughout the New Testament. James 2:17 states, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is
dead.” This suggests that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through our
actions.
As Christians, we are called to embody our faith through good works, which are a natural outflow of our
relationship with Christ. These works are not a means of earning God’s favor; rather, they are a response
to the grace we have received. The balance between faith and works is essential for a vibrant spiritual life,
as it keeps us grounded in humility while motivating us to live out our faith in tangible ways.
In this exploration of faith and works, we are reminded that our actions should reflect our beliefs.
As we engage in good works—whether through service, generosity, or acts of kindness—we become living
testimonies of God’s grace at work in our lives. This dynamic interplay between faith and works not only
strengthens our own walk with the Lord but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us, inviting
them to experience the transformative power of God’s love.
Conclusion
Persistence is essential in the Christian life, serving as a bridge between God’s promises and their fulfillment.
Just as Elijah and Elisha demonstrated, we must be unwavering in our commitment to prayer, obedience,
and faith. The journey of persistence is not always easy; it often requires us to navigate through trials,
waiting periods, and tests of faith. However, it is through these challenges that our character is refined and
our faith strengthened.
Isaiah 40:31 beautifully encapsulates this principle: “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and
not faint.” This verse reminds us that waiting on the Lord is not passive but an active pursuit of His presence
and guidance. As we lean into our relationship with Him, we find the strength to endure and overcome the
obstacles that life presents.
Through persistence, we not only witness the unfolding of God’s promises in our lives but also transition
from one victory to another. Each step of faith leads us closer to the divine purpose He has for us. In our
pursuit of God’s promises, let us remain steadfast, knowing that our perseverance will ultimately result in
spiritual growth and the fulfillment of His plans for our lives.
As we conclude this exploration of persistence in the Christian journey, may we be inspired by the
examples set forth in Scripture. Let us commit to being persistent in our faith, drawing upon the strength
that God provides, and believing that our efforts will not be in vain. In doing so, we align ourselves with
the beautiful narrative of God’s love for humanity and our role within it.
