My daughter has this new thing where she won’t go anywhere or do anything with out a companion. It could be me or her dad or her big brother.  She refuses to go to even the bathroom without one of us. And it isn’t enough for her escort to take her to her destination, the person must remain until she has accomplished her task.

I’ll be honest. Sometimes–most times—- it drives me insane! Because what I really want is to continue whatever I’m doing in the kitchen or laundry room and have her do her business and come back to me.

What she wants is assurance. She wants to know that she doesn’t have to be alone. Ever. And she isn’t afraid to ask for confirmation. Over. And over. Until she not only gets an answer but a presence. Friends, we are talking persistence and perseverance—pure, simple.

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:3

I want the kingdom. I want the KING. I want to be like Olivia. As an adult, however, I think it’s easy to become satisfied with the idea of the Kingdom instead of the real thing…

Honestly? Fighting for the The King and Kingdom can lose its luster when you’re bloody and bruised…when the shouts of the enemy seem louder than the whisper of the King.

Sometimes, my heart threatens to cave under the pressure and I settle for silence in prayer instead of an answer. I give up at the slightest hint of opposition. And instead of pressing in, I say something like, “I guess it just isn’t time yet” or “It wasn’t meant to be.”

You, too?

Well let’s buckle up, buttercup!  Get your crown on…hold it steady. Swords up! Eyes up! Our King rides with us in battle. He leads the charge and lifts us up. He has never lost a fight!

He said he would never leave us or forsake us.  He is the One who said, “Seek me while I may be found. Knock and the door will be open.”

Victory is in the perseverance.

If God led you to a door, and the door hasn’t opened, yet… keep knocking until it does!

He gave you a quiver full of arrows, strike the ground until there’s nothing  left in the quiver! (See 2 Kings 13: 14-18).

Don’t stop short of victory!

As I prayed about the condition of my heart, he shared his  heart with me about this season. I trust that his words will encourage you to persevere.

“Through this, I am teaching you to persevere with me…how to contend for things. I will be with you—Will you stay with me?” -God