The Persistent Faith

What You Should Know About Persistent Faith

 And when he knocked at the gate of the porch, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. And recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and told the people that Peter was standing before the porch gate. They said to her, You are crazy! But she persistently {and} strongly {and} confidently affirmed that it was the truth. They said, It is his angel!
 – Acts 12 :13- 15(Amplified Bible)

I like Rhoda

I like people full of Bible faith. I love to have them as friends. Friends full of faith would not give up on you but would keep on believing in  and encouraging you. They persistently inspire you for greatness. I like Rhoda because of her faith. I also admire the faith of the Syrophoenician woman Christ met in Mark chapter seven. The faith also of Ruth and Esther inspires me greatly. I would encourage women to believe in themselves and do what God has inspired in their hearts. The world wants to suppress women but I strongly believe in the greatness of every women. I believe there would be more lady Head of states than the history books of the world has ever recorded. Also, the Holy Spirit is thrusting forth great Women of Faith  into the harvest who would perform mighty miracles that would win many souls. These women would continue from where the Grahams, Hagins, Osborns, Roberts and the Khulmans ended. The voice of such women would be heard all over the world throughout all generations. If you are a woman reading this, please believe in yourself and prepare yourself to catch this unique fire. Rhoda was told to shut up and stop dreaming. The Disciples, her own brethrens in the faith, opposed her faith.  But she  persistently {and} strongly {and} confidently affirmed that it was the truth. The world has been educated not to believe in women but it’s time for the church to educate her children that men and women are equal before God. He sees us all as spirits; no male no female. 

Four things about the Persistent Faith

The faith of Rhoda teaches us four things about faith. The first is that, Faith have high expectations. God is big so expect only big things from Him. Faith always expect big answers from heaven. Faith is always close by the door of heaven and would be the first to answer the knock of heavens response. While the others were praying for praying sake, Rhoda was expecting the answer. Its only those who pray with specific expectations that receives answers. Christ said if anyone would speak to the mountains to move and not doubt in his heart but believe, then that person would have what he or she said. Expect big things from God this week and believe to receive answers swiftly from Him.

Faith also recognises the voice of the Word. Rhoda recognised the voice of peter at the door. She knew it was Peter though she had not yet opened the door. When she informed others that Peter was at the door, she was considered crazy and told to keep quiet. But she persisted and confidently affirmed that it was the truth. Persistently, strongly and confidently affirm what the Bible says about you.  Watch out what you hear constantly. What you hear can cause you to leap for faith or fall into doubt and unbelief. Be careful what you read and whom you listen to. Don’t believe in the lie or false report. The medical report is not the truth; its only what an instrument has been programmed to say about you. The result slip is someone’s opinion about you. Stand against all odds and believe only in God’s word. Take the word of God as it is. Don’t take sides against God by asking Him how He will do it. Abraham recognised and believed the voice that said he is the father all Nations. He changed his name in that effect. He staggered not in unbelief but praised God with thanks giving. He understood that He that has said is also able to perform.

Persistence, boldness and firmness are vital ingredients of faith. Without boldness against hindrances to your faith, your expectations would be aborted before their delivery time. David could not have defeated Goliath without courage. It takes courage to face the Goliaths in your life. The giants won’t move if you don’t act boldly. The woman with the issue of blood persisted till she touched Christ’s garment. Religion did not permit her, the crown pulled her behind but her faith caused her to persistently push for her miracle. Don’t give up now. Your miracle is next in line so push again. Pray again. Still persist in righteousness and obedience to the Lord. 

The final ingredient of Faith is joy. Rhoda’s joy was so evident. Your joy is your strength. Your joy would inspire others to also believe more in God. Paul and Silas had joy in the mist of their afflictions. Their prayers and songs of praise brought deliverance to a whole camp of prisoners. Your attitude of joy and praise will bring deliverance to many in the prisons of afflictions. Your praises to God can pull down any wall of Jericho in your life. Put on the garment of praise and let the whole world know that you trust in your Lord.

Your joy and persistent faith in God’s word would bring you marvellous miracles this week in Christ name, Amen.