The Good Stubbornness

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi tries to convince her Gentile daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth not to follow her as she returns to Israel. Orpah finally agrees, but Ruth refuses to go. When Naomi realizes that Ruth is steadfast, she lets Ruth come along. 'Ahmetz' is the Hebrew word for 'steadfast.' 'Ahmetz' can also mean stubborn, obstinate, courageous, fortified and hardened. We know it's not good to be stubborn in sin and obstinate against God, but it's very good to be stubborn in love and obstinate for Him. It's not enough to follow God; you must be ahmetz in your following. Like Ruth, be characterized in your walk by holy ahmetz. Be stubborn in your commitment, and fortified in your hope. Because if you're not stubborn about what's good, the enemy will discourage you from entering the blessing God has for you. Ruth obstinately refused to be discouraged. When the enemy sees that you are ahmetz, he too will give up. Be steadfast in faith, unwavering in hope, and stubborn in love. Be an ahmetz believer, and nothing on earth will keep you from the blessings God has in store.

From Message #426 - Wherever You Dwell