Prayerful Perseverance

3-23-2012 by Boyd Bailey

Prayerful Perseverance

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18

Prayerful perseverance is the path of the righteous. It is the route the righteous take during recessionary times. An economic downturn can be a detour in our walk with Christ, or it can shed light on where God wants us to go. You persevere in prayer, because it is here that the voices of worry go mute, and your Master guides you onto a productive path. Indeed, recessions force us to be resourceful in our relationships and creativity.

Perhaps you reach out to those who have helped you in the past, but are unable to help now, because they are too needy. Take the time to connect those out of work with opportunities that may match their calling. Most importantly, ask others how you can specifically pray for them. The Lord leads by the light of His love during dark days; so stay connected to Christ and people in prayer. This righteous resolve takes focus and hard work.

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This is why it is imperative you feed the spirit in persistent prayer. Stay engaged with God, and the gleaming dawn of hope will rise on your shadowed circumstances. As you prayerfully walk with the Lord in the light there is a holy security and serene spirit that shines forth from your countenance for all to see. Your humble and good works on earth bring glory to your Father in heaven.

Prayerful perseverance increases the brightness of your light like the rising of the all-consuming orange sun. So use recessionary days to heal the hurting, rescue the repentant, and comfort the broken. Dark days were created for the care of Christians to come forth in faith and generosity. Therefore, prayerfully persevere for your soul’s sake, for God’s glory, and in service to others.

“Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 58:8, NASB).

Where do I need to persevere in prayer, and who can I specifically pray for in their dark night of the soul?

Related Readings: Job 22:28; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 26:41 (KJV); Philippians 2:15