Don’t Take No for an Answer….

When my son gets an idea in his head, you can forget changing his mind. I’ve always admired his persistence even though there are times I’m certain steam rolled from my ears as he just won’t take “No” for an answer.

The goal of his insistence on one particular occasion was a book he wanted me to read. He had just finished a 314 page novel and was sure I would love it as much as he did. It was cute the way he went on and on about the plot and characters of his latest read. The first dozen times he asked me to read the book, I half-heartedly replied “oh sure son”. I pacified him by politely acknowledging his request but without considering actually doing what he asked.

It was wrong I know, but I didn’t think a book that appealed to an 11 year old boy would interest me. I couldn’t lie about reading it so I dodged the question thinking he’d forget about it. No such luck. He was determined. He renewed the book at the school library. He asked me about the book at dinner. He asked me at breakfast. When the book started showing up on my dresser, in the bathroom and in my purse, I knew I had no choice.

About page 50 I realized this was actually an intriguing story and I finished the book in just a few days. My son beamed as I shared his excitement over the dramatic ending. It was that day he reminded me how persistence can make a difference.

How often do we give up on a dream, a goal, or a project simply because we meet an obstacle? Are those obstacles placed there because the enemy doesn’t want you to complete the work God has given you? If God leads you to do something, he will equip you with the tools to do that work. Yet, the enemy comes to kill, to steal and to destroy. He doesn’t want you to flourish or enjoy the full blessings God has for you. He will throw up hurdles to prevent you from reaching the finish line. If we are persistent and faithful, God will make a way for us. He will show us the next step, the right path, the correct choice. Each time we get stronger and wiser which is exactly what Satan wants to prevent. Don’t believe the lies the enemy whispers in your ear. Keep your focus on God and His Word and reap the fullness of His blessings for you.

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)

4 thoughts on “Don’t Take No for an Answer….

  1. hi wow, it is true what you said about roadblocks in our lives with me it is works, what if this what if that but God said we cannot please Him if we dont believe, so we please God when we believe… thanks for sharing

  2. thank you so much for sharing and talking about roadblocks!! for me its works, if need to do this to please God i need to do that, or i didnt do that good enough blah blah… But God said that without faith it is impossible to please Him, so with faith we please Him… by just believing Heb 11:6!

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