DoublePortion_October2023_8.5x5.5_REV.indd

A strong Christian woman exudes faithfulness. Just like we are saved by faith, we are sustained by faith.TheWord says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Keep in mind, however, that the presence of such faith doesn’t mean the absence of distress. Understandably upset when she finally met up with Elisha, the mother said, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I tell you,‘Don’t raise my hopes’” (2 Kings 4:28). So, in preparation for sending the woman and his servant back to tend to the boy, “Elisha said to Gehazi,‘Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. Don’t greet anyone you meet, and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy’s face’” (2 Kings 4:29). Persevering- Think back to the first characteristic.There was something about Gehazi the distressed mother didn’t trust (more on that in the next chapter). Responding to Elisha’s instructions that she and Gehazi go on ahead, she said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you” (2 Kings 4:30). Recognizing him as a true man of God, she was all in on Elisha and wasn’t about to leave his physical presence until this matter was solved. Think back to the persevering faith of Jacob, as he wrestled with the angel of the Lord beside the River Jabbok.When the angel of the Lord asked to be released, Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). His persistence paid off, as he received what he had asked for (Genesis 32:29). It was former President Calvin Coolidge who said: “Press on: Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of uneducated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are overwhelmingly powerful.”

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