Relentless

1. Embrace a relentless spirit to fulfill your God-given destiny

"You were created to make a difference in this world."

Divine biography. God has written a unique biography for each person before they were born. This divine plan is impossible to fulfill through human ability alone, requiring dependence on God's grace. The relentless believer is one who is unyielding in faith, hope, and obedience to God, regardless of adversity.

Overcoming obstacles. To fulfill your destiny, you must pass through many tribulations to enter God's kingdom. This involves facing and overcoming opposition, which strengthens your character and increases your level of authority. Like Jesus in the wilderness, believers must resist temptation and stand firm in God's Word.

Ruling in life. Christians are called to rule in life through Christ, not to be ruled by circumstances. This means distinguishing oneself in various fields – whether in business, education, arts, or public service – by tapping into God's supernatural wisdom and power. The goal is to be a light in darkness, bringing God's ways into every sphere of influence.

2. God's grace empowers you to go beyond natural abilities

"Grace is God's free empowerment that gives us the ability to go beyond our natural ability."

Redefining grace. Grace is not merely forgiveness of sins or a ticket to heaven. It is God's empowering presence that enables believers to do what they cannot do in their own strength. This includes living a holy life, performing miracles, and excelling in various fields of work.

Accessing grace through faith. Grace is accessed through faith, like a pipeline that connects believers to God's unlimited power. To increase one's faith and thus the flow of grace, one must:

• Immerse oneself in God's Word
• Praise and worship God
• Thank God for His provision
• Pray in the Spirit

Examples of grace in action. The author shares personal stories of how God's grace enabled him to:

• Overcome a poor academic background to become a successful author
• Transition from a secure job to full-time ministry
• See miraculous provision and healings

3. Humility is the key to accessing God's grace and power

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

True humility defined. Contrary to popular belief, humility is not weakness or self-deprecation. It is absolute obedience and dependence on God, putting Him first, others second, and oneself third. True humility means believing God's Word over one's own thoughts, feelings, or desires.

Examples from Scripture. The Bible provides several examples of true humility:

• Caleb and Joshua, who believed God's promise despite overwhelming odds
• David, who faced Goliath with confidence in God's strength
• Jesus, who submitted to the Father's will even unto death

Practical application. To cultivate humility:

• Regularly examine your motives and ambitions
• Submit your plans and desires to God in prayer
• Obey God's Word even when it contradicts human logic
• Give credit to God for your successes and abilities

4. Resist the enemy through steadfast faith and obedience

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."

Nature of spiritual warfare. Believers are engaged in a constant battle against spiritual forces of darkness. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christians have been given authority and power over all the enemy's schemes.

Weapons of resistance. To effectively resist the enemy:

• Speak God's Word directly to the situation
• Stand firm in faith, regardless of circumstances
• Obey God's commands, even when it's difficult
• Maintain a sober and vigilant mindset

Persistence in resistance. Resistance may need to be ongoing and relentless. Like Elijah praying for rain, believers must persist in faith until they see the manifestation of God's promises. This persistence builds spiritual strength and maturity.

5. Cast your cares upon God to run your race effectively

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

Unburdening for effectiveness. Carrying the weight of worry and anxiety hinders believers from running their spiritual race effectively. By casting cares upon God, Christians can focus on fulfilling their divine purpose without distraction.

God's faithfulness. The author shares personal stories of how God provided for his family's needs when they cast their cares upon Him, including:

• Miraculous financial provision
• Healing from illnesses
• Open doors for ministry opportunities

Practical steps. To cast your cares upon God:

• Identify your worries and concerns
• Verbally give them to God in prayer
• Thank God for His faithfulness and provision
• Take action based on faith, not fear

6. Pray fervently and persistently to see God's will manifested

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Characteristics of effective prayer. Fervent prayer is characterized by:

• Boldness in approaching God's throne
• Passion and intensity of spirit
• Persistence, like the widow in Jesus' parable
• Faith that expects answers

Examples of answered prayer. The author shares stories of answered prayers, including:

• Healing of his son from colic
• Provision of funds for ministry expansion
• Changed weather conditions during a vacation

Practical application. To pray effectively:

• Be specific in your requests
• Pray according to God's will as revealed in Scripture
• Thank God in advance for the answer
• Act in faith, expecting God's intervention

7. Finish well by building God's eternal house with your life

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

God's eternal purpose. God is building an eternal dwelling place, symbolically called Zion. Every believer is both a living stone in this spiritual house and a subcontractor helping to build it.

Individual calling. Each Christian has a unique role in building God's house, predetermined by God before the foundation of the world. This calling goes beyond mere existence; it involves specific good works prepared in advance by God.

Finishing well. To finish well and receive God's reward:

• Discover your specific calling through prayer and studying God's Word
• Faithfully carry out the works God has prepared for you
• Build with eternal materials (gold, silver, precious stones) rather than temporal ones (wood, hay, stubble)
• Maintain a relentless spirit, persevering through difficulties
• Keep your focus on the eternal prize, not temporary earthly rewards

Last updated: November 18, 2024