PERSISTENCE PAYS “Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”    But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:26 (NIV)

One of the secrets of success of any kind is persistence. There is a popular saying which says,” If at first you don't succeed, try, try again: Don’t give up too easily; persistence pays off in the end.”

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus taught that we should pray and never give up. He gave the parable of a poor widow who was seeking justice from a judge who did not fear God or man. She kept pestering the Judge until he granted her wish. He could not get peace otherwise.

Jacob was also a master of persistence. He went to great lengths to be blessed by his father, even using subterfuge against his brother Esau. He wrestled with the angel of the Lord all night and persisted even after his hip was wrenched from its socket. He became Israel.

We need to be persistent in all areas of our lives because persistence and determination have been proven to succeed more than talent, genius or education. Character and maturity develop as we struggle through difficult conditions. We continually improve. Even Jacob developed from being the grabber and deceiver, to one who waits for God’s blessings.

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"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success".~ Napoleon Hill