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The dictionary's definition of the word 'perseverance' is "to continue steadfastly especially in something that is difficult or tedious." Coupled with the right understanding, perseverance can be an extremely valuable thing. Here is a list of some of the elements that constitute perseverance; each is accompanied with an example in 'prayer,' the subject of our sermon this morning.

Before any meaningful progress can be made - in any enterprise - knowledge is required. One may of course learn by trial and error; but this is the long way to success and too often ends in failure. The first thing you ought to do before embarking on a new enterprise is to learn as much as possible about it. Here is what you must know if you want to be successful in prayer.

There was a multitude of things that Job didn't know (see chapters 38-40) but there were three important facts that he did know.

1. That his Redeemer was alive;
2. That his Redeemer knew everything about Job
3. And that His Redeemer could do anything.

Ignorance, especially of what constitutes right and wrong, is one of the main causes of defeat in matters of moral character.

Another cause for failure is that YaHuWaH 's Spirit and direction is not welcome. Many just don't want to know. In deed they think they know it all. The results are inevitable.

We may explain the word 'application' as action, effort, work etc. Most people know that knowledge is an important preliminary to success. But when it is not followed by positive action, then even knowledge is just so much excess, mental baggage. It is wasted. Perseverance always expresses itself in action. Indeed we only really recognize the presence of perseverance by some outward action. The action may be a call, a request, a visit, a knock on the door or something far more demonstrative; but something must be done, some outward expression must be exhibited before results can be obtained. In Luke 18:1-8 we see a good example of perseverance.

• This widow came to the one person whom she knew had the power to help.
• She asked - knowing she had a good case. "Avenge me of mine adversary."
• Initially the unjust judge was not interested.
• But her persistence paid off and she obtained what she wanted.

Just as the repeated blows of a hammer eventually have an effect, in the same way persistence in prayer produces results. Note in our example of the widow:

• She was not easily put off; she kept coming, well aware that her request was a worthy one which deserved attention.
• Her persistence unarmed the unrighteous judge. Note his words:
  4 ... Though I fear not Elohim, nor regard man; 5: Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Vain Repetition

By persistence we do not mean vain repetition, which is the countless mouthings of the same phrase or sentence over and over again. Pagans go in for vain repetition. They say the exact same words over and over again. This is not the kind of perseverance that YaHuWaH calls for. Perseverance is spiritual endurance governed by reason. Vain repetition is a mindless reiteration of the same words - without reason and without respect to the intelligence of the hearer. Beware of people who use vain repetition!

It is a characteristic of valuables, that the more worthwhile they are the longer they take to produce. In other words, time is involved in the making of everything of worth. And this is where patience links hands with perseverance.

To hold on when all around are letting go is most essential for final victory. Perseverance in prayer usually pays off; but even when it doesn't, we must never give up our faith in Elohim. Hold fast!

Here is evidence of faith without presumption. In other words: 'Our Elohim can save us. But even if He decides not to, we will not disobey His Torah and worship your golden image.'