Sometimes we have to be persistent in prayer; not seeking answers to the problems once, but constantly praying to God. We must keep on seeking because God is a “rewarder” of those who diligently seek Him.
These words of encouragement came from United States-based minister Derek Burley, before a packed Carrington Wesleyan Holiness Church where Healing For The Soul Ministries (based in New York and Barbados) recently held three nights of services as part of their annual one-week crusade in Barbados.
Stressing the need for perseverance in prayer, Burley urged his listeners to press their way through, break out of the limitations of their faith, position themselves as diligent seekers and believe that God is whom He says He is.
During a service at the Welches, St Michael church which witnessed scores of people make their way to the altar for prayer and deliverance, Burley told the congregation that if during their times of pressing in and pressing through God does not speed up what seems to be delayed, He will give them what it takes to endure.
“Some of you may be waiting long, but every day God is working on your needs; day by day He is answering your prayers.
“Some of you have been faced with delays and have gotten so discouraged that you are standing still spiritually and you do not press into God like before. Don’t quit in the middle of the stream.
“Keep claiming the promises of God. Keep knocking on the door. God will do what He says He will do. Don’t quit.”
He said there would be people who diligently sought after God, and “those who will not”.
He explained: “Diligent means you are pressing your way into His presence. God’s good will and graces to you are not always present in the first approach. This means you must press in.”
He drew an example from Luke 11 which tells the story of the man who went to his neighbour’s house at midnight for bread. Although his neighbour did not arise to give him what he wanted because he was his friend, he eventually gave him what he requested because of the man’s persistence.
“God exists. He who comes to God must believe that He is God, which means He has no beginning and no end. His proper and precise name is Jehovah and Yahweh – the one who is absolutely all powerful and all knowing.
“God becomes to some what He does not become to others,” he stated.
Among those who preached during the one-week crusade were Reverend Haynesley Griffith of Barbados, and Minister Marlon Nicolls, Pastor Anthony Quintyne, Pastor Oral Walcott and Minister Judy P. Linton of the United States. Special ministry in song was rendered by psalmist Bevon Semple of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
