Diligence — Do It Again

Diligence — Do It Again


Scripture:
“Elijah said, ‘Go and look toward the sea.’… Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’” 
— 1 Kings 18:43 (NIV)


Reflection:

Breakthrough rarely comes to those who give up easily. It comes to those who are willing to show up again and again, even when nothing seems to change. Elijah’s servant looked toward the sea six times and saw nothing. But Elijah didn’t question God’s promise. His response was simple and persistent: “Go again.”

That’s the picture of spiritual diligence—faithful, consistent action even when the results are invisible.

Diligence means:

• Praying again, even when heaven feels silent.
• Serving again, even when it seems unnoticed.
• Showing up again, even when your emotions resist.
• Believing again, even when disappointment whispers, “It’s not working.”

Elijah knew that obedience and persistence invite God’s intervention. On the seventh time, the servant finally saw a small cloud—the beginning of the breakthrough they had been waiting for.

We often stop short of the promise because we grow weary in the “in between.” But Proverbs 13:4 reminds us, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”

Maybe your “seventh time” is closer than you think. Maybe today is not the day to quit, but the day to go again. God honors the diligent, not the most talented, not the most gifted—but those who show up with faith, one more time.


Reflection Questions:

1. Where have I been tempted to give up because I don't yet see results?
2. What does “doing it again” look like practically in that area—prayer, service, relationships, or calling?
3. How can I rely on God's strength—not just willpower—to stay diligent and faithful?

Prayer:

Father, I confess that I grow weary when progress feels slow. But I believe Your promises are true. Strengthen me to stay faithful, to keep showing up, to keep believing. Teach me to trust Your timing and lean on Your grace. I choose diligence over discouragement. I will go again. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Scripture References:
1 Kings 18:43-44, Galatians 6:9, Proverbs 13:4, Hebrews 10:36