Five years ago, a pair of colporteurs went to a house to sell books.  The father of the household politely told them, “Not interested.”

Four years ago, another pair of colporteurs went to the same house to sell books.  The father answered the door and politely told them, “Not interested.”

Three years ago, colporteurs were again dispatched to the house.  The father again answered, “Not interested.”

Two years ago, yet another pair of colporteurs went to the very same house.  This time the mother answered the door.  She decided to buy a DVD about what the Bible said about the final events that would take place on the earth in the end times.  Later that evening, the family sat together and watched the DVD.  They were rather impressed with what they saw and started studying the Bible together.

Last year, two colporteurs were sent to the house again.  The father answered the door, but this time, he decided to buy a book about the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.  The father read the book and was amazed.  He read the book twice and started reading his Bible daily.

Today, two colporteurs went to the house.  The mother opened the door and excited shouted to her husband, “Honey, those kids who sell books are here!”

The father ran to the door and asked the kids what took them so long to get here this time, much to their confusion.  The father showed them the book he bought last year and said, “Please, sell me all the books you have by this author!  I have cash on hand right now!  If you guys offer Bible studies, I want to sign my family up right now!”

Persistence pays off.  Do not be discouraged if you are rejected when you try to share the Gospel message.  You are planting seeds that will bear fruit on God’s time!

• Recommended reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-11; Luke 18:1-8