(adapted from “Persistence Pays Off”)
In the operating room of a large hospital, a young nurse was completing her first full day on the job. “You’ve only removed 11 sponges, Doctor,” she said to the surgeon. “We used 12.” “I removed them all,” the doctor declared. “We’ll close the incision now.” “No,” the nurse objected. “We used 12 sponges.” “I’ll take full responsibility,” the surgeon said gruffly. “Suture!” “You can’t do that!” exclaimed the nurse. “Think of the patient.” The surgeon smiled, lifted his foot, and showed the nurse the 12th sponge. “You’ll do just fine,” he replied.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus expressed the benefits of persistence. He told us to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking because, in the end, our persistence would be rewarded. That’s not to say that we’ll receive everything we ask for, but rather that Jesus will see our faith and give us what we truly need – what is truly best for us.
When aligned with God’s will and power, our persistence can have awesome results. This being so, be persistent. Like the nurse worried about losing her job on that first day or those in the Bible that did everything they could to get Jesus’ attention, don’t let your opportunity pass you by. Give Jesus your cares and your desires. Stand firm when this world throws you a curveball or someone challenges you. Jesus is waiting to do great and wonderful things in you and through you if you just don’t give up.
God’s Best…Steven