A word I have been pondering lately is passive. Passive is defined as accepting or allowing what happens or what others do without active response or resistance. I believe it is good to have this blog post side by side with Persistent and examine its contrasts.
In the pursuit of a persistent character, I have to examine my own weaknesses. I am not saying this is fun by any means. Let me be honest for years I never wanted to see the flaws. Who does? Little by little, I began to examine me, I would see things I did not like and search God’s hand for help. These days, I really want to see my weaknesses. I have learned finding and overcoming them are of great reward.
A passive attitude of taking life as it comes and accepting its terms without giving it thought or even resisting is the way many people deal with life. I believe most people do attempt to fight back or resist in their lives however after multiple defeats and disappointments many lose their fight and fall into this passive state of being. The truth is all of us have fallen into these places in our lives. I have my own list of things I have let pass me by from this lack of fight. But, I choose to move on.
Hebrews has some solid tips on how to overcome life’s obstacles. The first you can find in Hebrews 6:12. We are encouraged not to become lazy but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Faith is our action to what we believe. If I take a closer look at myself my actions, and my words, I will see what I really believe.
Patience, we all know patience is a discipline. It takes effort however if we are truly trusting in our Heavenly Father and His truths, we can wait on Him.
Faith and patience are not the easiest to master however we can if we purpose to do so.
The Hebrew writer continues in chapter 10, verse 35, do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. Yes, this backs up God’s desire for us to have persistent faith. Don’t give up on God. He is watching us. He is for us. He has given us the tools to win. You will see victories!
It goes on to tell us you need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Perseverance to keep putting one foot in front of the other depending on God’s power to show up. Passiveness screams at you that you are alone and continually pushes you to give up. Don’t listen! Don’t give up!
Verse 39 states but we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. If you are a child of God, this is what you are capable of: “those who will not shrink back, but believe and see God move on your behalf”.
What great news! Take time to hear God through these words of His – He loves you! He wants you to see yourself as His child – loved – protected – victorious – above your situation not beneath – the head not the tail – always being watched over by Him!
Spend some time reading these verses. Don’t take my word for it. Invest a few minutes each day looking into these words, looking at your life and spending time with the Lord. When he reveals something he would like for you to work on, the power of God is there to see you overcome.
The people who were acknowledged for their faith are found in Hebrews 11. We are told to model our lives after theirs. Dive in and see how they handled their difficult times. Look where they kept their eyes focused. Be sure to read to the end of the chapter, you’ll find some faithful, grounded, uncompromised children of God refusing to give up on their God even when death was before them.
Hebrews 12 goes on to encourage us to throw off everything that hinders and the disobedience that entangles us. Let us all run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith!
I am thankful I am not alone! Jesus is right there on this epic journey and he will perfect me moment by moment, day by day, and season by season as I allow him too.
He provides strength when I have none.
He has put a few people around me to encourage me & stand with me.
He is an unlimited supply for every need I’ll ever have.
What God will do for one of His children he will surely do for another!
Be bold!
Don’t let passivity rob you of the great promises God gave you!
Let’s be persistent!
