Perseverance: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Perseverance Defined Roget (of Roget’s Thesaurus) has called for your help. They want some synonyms for the word “perseverance.” What words can you think of?

Issac and Perseverance Understanding God’s Plan Genesis 26:1-11 Isaac headed for the land of king Abimelech due to a local famine. What things did God tell him there? What are some typical first responses that people make when a problem arises? Why would moving to Egypt be a reasonable solution to avoid the famine?

Understanding God’s Plan Why might God direct Isaac away from a seemingly logical destination? Remember, God told Abraham to “go” and now we see God telling Isaac to “stay.” How do both “going” and “staying” require you to exercise perseverance?  We are not to take the easy way … we are to take God’s way

Understanding God’s Plan What promises did God make Isaac if he persevered? How does God’s being with you help you persevere in dry, unproductive times? What does verse 6 in our passage tell us about responding to God’s instructions?

Isaac and Perseverance God’s Fulfillment of Promises Genesis 26:12-16 In what ways did God bless Isaac as promised? Note that God does not always bless His people with material prosperity – having “things” is not always a sign of God’s blessings – blessings can come in many other ways How did the local people react to God’s blessing on Isaac?

Isaac and Perseverance God’s Fulfillment of Promises Why would Isaac’s good fortune (God’s blessing) cause such open opposition? Isaac did nothing wrong, yet was opposed by local society. Should believers be surprised when we find ourselves opposed by our culture? Isaac got “asked” to move. What kinds of opposition do believers today sometimes experience?

Isaac and Perseverance Naming of the Wells Genesis 26:17-22 What were the names of the wells and why did Isaac name them that way? How did Isaac show perseverance in this situation?

Isaac and Perseverance How was Isaac’s response a mark of strength? What kind of oppositions come when we follow God’s directions? How can we show perseverance when confronted with these situations?

Application Realize that what seems to be the most reasonable solution to difficulties may not be what God wants you to do. Recognize that not all people appreciate God’s blessings on His loved ones. One important way to persevere is to be willing to give up some of your rights for God’s higher purpose.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have God’s Word in your head, and ready feet in your shoes. God will steer your path, your direction He’ll choose. You’re never on your own, and He’ll see that you know, that He is the one who’ll decide where you go. You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head in God’s Word and ready shoes filled with feet, you’re too smart to go down any God-dishonoring street. You won’t lag behind because you’ll have God-speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon find God’s lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll give of your best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don’t, because sometimes you won’t. I’m sorry to say so, but sadly it’s true that mishaps and struggles can happen to you. You might get in a tither, in a pricke-ly perch, and your friends may fly on, and you’ll be left in a lurch. You’ll come down from the lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then that you’ll be in a slump. And when you’re in a slump, you’re not in for much fun. Unslumping yourself just cannot be done. But with God in the mix, as you already know, you’ll forge on ahead, maybe fast, maybe slow. No matter the mountain or hill up ahead, God whispers in your ear, “My child, you will persevere.”