Relentless Pursuit

Relentless…I never understood the impact and weight of this word until I was faced with the trial of my life.

Four years ago, I became a single parent. My husband, at the time, moved out and filed for divorce. I was relentless (persistent) in the fight for my marriage. I knew God could turn it all around and soften his heart. Yet after all was said and done, my marriage ended. From that moment, my life and future changed forever.

Like anyone who has ever had a trial in their life I felt attacked from every side. I was discouraged and wanted to throw in the towel. I couldn’t understand why this was happening to me. I soon became relentless (insistent) in my search for answers to the question, “Why?”.

We don’t know when or why trials will enter our lives. We don’t know what our mindset will be when hard times come. We really don’t even know how we will respond until tragedy is staring us square in the eyes. But when those times come, we are all faced with the same choice: Will we walk away and give up on our faith in God or will we be relentless (unyielding) to trust and depend on Him more? I chose the latter.

I clung to the word of God to get me through when I didn’t understand and felt lost. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I held His word close to my heart as I prayed, cried and prayed some more. “Weeping may endure for a night. But joy comes in the morning,” (Psalm 30:5).

I praised him during my storm. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

I “stood” on His word, claiming His promises. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” (Isaiah 41:10)

In the end, my relentless (adamant, persevering) pursuit .of Him, allowed me to honestly say:

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him … ” (Job 13:15).

It is our relentless pursuit of God during times of suffering that creates resilience in our lives causing us to become stronger and providing the endurance needed to run the race.

“So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation,” (1 Peter 5:10).

Today, I continue to be relentless in my pursuit of God. I’m closer to Him than I’ve ever been and I completely trust in His every promise. During the storms of life, I resolve to be relentless in my pursuit of Him. Will you join me in this pursuit?