READ
REFLECT
Competitors demonstrate relentless commitment in their quest for improvement and championship. Yet, they recognize that being a champion extends beyond donning a gold medal or always claiming first prize. Instead, they perceive championing as a mindset that empowers them to forge ahead through obstacles that would pose significant difficulties for the average person.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens said of being relentless. “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”
When we embrace relentlessness, it does not imply invincibility. Instead, it signifies inner strength, with roots firmly planted, enabling us to endure a multitude of obstacles that cross our path.
What does the Bible say about being relentless? Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
A powerful example of relentlessness in the Bible is Paul. Paul was relentless in his pursuits to spread God’s Word. He didn’t let anything stop him from doing so.
Paul was imprisoned numerous times. Despite this, he never gave up his faith in God. In fact, during one of his imprisonments, he wrote his Epistles to Christian communities of the era, passages of Scripture we still read and apply to our lives today.
Paul could have chosen not to be relentless as he did his missionary work. He could have folded under the immense pressure he was under. But instead, he relied on God and submitted himself to His will.
Let us, like Paul, embody relentlessness in our pursuit of strengthening our testimony of Jesus, refusing to yield even in the face of relentless attacks from today’s culture. Though the challenges may appear overwhelming, we can stand firm, anchored in our faith, knowing that God’s strength will enable us to withstand any assault.
RESPOND
1. Read about one the times Paul was imprisoned. Write down what you feel while reading.
2. Commit Galatians 6:9 to memory.
