On this 9^th day of our journey, the sun is shining the snow has melted and signs of spring are everywhere. The seeds in the ground are beginning to germinate and take root.  These seeds although small must fight the elements if they are to fulfill their destiny.  To accomplish this, I believe that God placed in the DNA of every seed the qualities of determination, persistence and the ability to overcome.  We too must fight the elements, if we are going to grow great faith.  To do this we must release these same qualities in our life to ensure the seeds successful outcome. 

What does the qualities of determination, persistence and the ability to overcome look like?

Today we will look at the quality of “determination;” it is best expressed in the story of the unjust judge and the widow woman.

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. ² “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. ³ A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ ⁴ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, ⁵ but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” ⁶ Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. ⁷ Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Luke 18:1-8 (NLT) ¹

Determination is seen in her life, as she maintains her focus until justice is served.  For the believer we pursue the enforcing of justice and truth in a place of consistent prayer.  We  serve a just Judge that He hears us when we pray.  But there are times we must bring our petitions before the counsels of heaven in a spirit of determination and not give up until we are heard.  Just like in any court case, the defendant must bring the facts and the truth to bear.  We must take the truth of what God has said in His Word (His established order) and build our case.  There are times when a court case lasts for many days, but each day the truth is brought before the judge.  We must be wise in what the Word says and with determination keep presenting the “Truth” in prayer until we prevail.

Today as you are “Forging Ahead In Trustful Hope” remember there is a Judge in heaven whose ears are open to hear your case and respond. Present your case with faith filled determination and watch heaven come to earth!