ToddGaddisBook_October2023_8.5x5.5.indd

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.” “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).The steadfast mother was literal ly living through this as her crisis played out. Blessed- And by the time Elisha reached the house, the boy had died on the couch. So, “He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord” (2 Kings 4:33), after which the boy came to life. For the second time in our journey, God uses His servants to deliver a young lad from death. Included in that familiar virtuous woman passage are these words, “Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28, KJV).This woman, who was certainly a blessing to Elisha, had her faith rewarded by receiving a blessing in return. Humble- Observe carefully the Shunammite’s reaction when Elisha presented the child who had died to her alive. “She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground” (2 Kings 4:37). Just like she

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