My niece Azoria is almost a year old. She is growing teeth and is also walking now. I can’t believe how fast she is growing up! Well yesterday, near the end of Sunday morning service, she got restless, climbed out of my sister Alesha’s lap, and began walking toward me.

She smiled widely, covered her eyes and then removed her hands quickly. That meant she wanted to play peek-a-boo with me. Even though I was up on the platform, I extended my arms toward Azoria and scooped her up. It was cuteness overload and I couldn’t resist.

No matter where I am or what I’m doing, when little Zo-Zo sees me, beams of light form in her eyes. The widest grin covers her face, showing off all four of her teeth—a pair on the top and bottom. Instantly, I turn into putty in her little hands. I love her so much.

Before I picked her up during service, my sister had been trying to keep Zo-Zo quiet and still. But as you know, that’s not easy with an 11-month-old. They like to move around and explore. They’re curious little creatures and there’s no slowing them down. She refused to be held back and contained.

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” In Matthew 18:1-4, he also said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven…”

Children are humble, loving, innocent, and they easily believe—all qualities true disciples need to have. And yesterday, Zo-Zo proved that children are very persistent. It didn’t matter how many times her mom restrained her, somehow, someway, she made her way over to Auntie Dianna.

In order to receive all God has for us, we must mimic the persistence of children. We can’t give up and abort our mission at the first sign of opposition. Remember in Luke 18:1-8 when Jesus shared the parable of an unjust judge?

He explained that a widow needed justice, but this official kept on ignoring her. Still, the widow didn’t stop. She relentlessly pressured, asked and bugged him about it until finally, her persistence paid off. She got the justice she needed.

If an unjust judge will grant the request of someone due to their persistence, how much more will our gracious, merciful God, give us what we need if we persist in faith?

Matthew 7:7 NLT says, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

Do you have enough confidence to continue applying for jobs; working on the marriage in hard times; believing for the salvation of your wayward children; declaring healing when doctors give up hope; going forward with the business venture even though you don’t have all the resources you need; and trusting during the worst setbacks, never losing hope for a comeback?

This is what persistent faith looks like. And somebody reading this has it. Because you do, God declares to you today, you will reap a harvest. You will see the seeds you’ve sown produce fruit. You will get what you need from God.

To help you keep on pressing forward by faith, I’m stirring Hebrews 10:35-36 (GW) into your cup of inspiration, which says, “So don’t lose your confidence. It will bring you a great reward. You need endurance so that after you have done what God wants you to do, you can receive what he has promised.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, if your faith isn’t where it needs to be, let this devotion refuel it. That way you’ll be in position to reap all God has for you.

Don’t stop asking and seeking, and knocking just because your efforts didn’t produce the desired results the first time. God blesses the persistent. As long as you don’t give up, you will reap. You will get what you need.

Now let’s pray.

God, Your word says if I ask and keep on asking, I will receive. So I will continue to seek your face and believe for breakthrough. Please intervene in my situation and move by Your mighty power. Thank You for delivering me with a mighty and outstretched hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.