Character Week Four: Tenacity

Ecclesiastes 9:11 NKJV

11 I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Persistent

2 a: continuing or inclined to persist in a course

my hope in teaching on Character is the hope that we will be inspired to fortify (strengthen)

we do not come fully automatically equipped for the things that we need to do to live.

neither do we come fully and automatically equipped for the things that God calls us to do.

it is not obviously to everyone all the time what the next step on the path is.

What are some of the obstacles to moving forward?

Often we are not self aware.

Sometimes we feel as if we are going to have our weaknesses exposed.

We may feel that what we feel called or inclined to do may seem impossible. Because it seems impossible, we fear it might be.

Maybe we don’t understand what most people refer to as luck is hard work.

We may have tried and not realize that we will have to try again.

Many times the things that God has called us to take longer than we think they should.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Time is the most discouraging thing in the world.

Because things don’t happen when we think they should we began to feel like they wont happen at all.

The Enemy will lie to you about things to further your discouragement.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Be Teachable

Proverbs 2:1–6 NKJV

1 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

the writer of proverbs talks about His son receiving my words. this would be in contrast to deflecting my words or rejecting his words.

Ask yourself, am I teachable?

in what areas do I keep having problems?

Do I have a rebellion against the truth that keeps causing my problems?

Am I willing to apply wisdom to my heart.

Don’t Give up!