The Persistent Pursuit
OPENING PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, guide our hearts to understand the depth of Your love and the persistence of those who have shared Your truth with us. May we be inspired to reflect that same persistence in our own lives.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains."
REFLECT:
In the message, we were asked to remember the person who persistently shared Jesus with us. This person, like the Apostle Paul, was devoted to prayer and sought opportunities to share the gospel. Paul, writing from prison, exemplifies a life committed to sharing Christ despite circumstances. His request for prayer to open doors for the message of Christ shows his unwavering dedication.
Pastor Jarred Peine shared a personal story of being a "knucklehead" who made many wrong decisions, yet there were people who persistently pursued him with grace and truth. This persistence is a reflection of God's relentless love for us. Just as Paul asked for prayers to proclaim the mystery of Christ, we too can pray for opportunities to share our faith with others.
Consider the impact of persistence in your own life. Who are the people God has placed around you that need to hear the message of Jesus? Like Jarred’s friend John, who was transformed by a friend's persistent love and service, we are called to be that friend to others. Our persistence can be the catalyst for someone else's transformation.
Let us be devoted to prayer, asking God to open doors for us to share His love. As we do, we become part of a divine pursuit, reflecting the heart of God who never gives up on us.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will take my next step to reach my ONE this week. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? Commit to praying for them daily, asking God to open doors for you to share His love with them.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for those who have persistently shared Your love with us. Help us to be devoted to prayer and to seize every opportunity to share Your message. May our lives reflect Your relentless love. Amen.