1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " 6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-8)
Jesus is telling us in this passage to be persistent in prayer and not to give up. As long as we keep praying, God will answer us. God is always listening even though it may not seem so to us. We just have to keep praying and in God’s time, our prayers will be answered.
He doesn’t turn a deaf ear to our petitions, but he begins the process of working them out speedily. In truth, real prayer is the evidence of God’s impending answer. Why? Because real prayer always begins with God. The Spirit burdens our hearts and we offer the burden back to God, who is already busily engaged in bringing about the answer. What great confidence that ought to give us in prayer! What a desire that should put within us to seek his face more consistently and persistently in prayer!
Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness to God should not fluctuate with our circumstances, needs, or feelings. Obeying these three commands -- rejoice, persevere, give thanks -- often goes against our nature. But if we make a practiced, conscious decision to be obedient, we will gain a new perspective.
Impatience is short-sighted. God answers prayer in his timing, in his way, and for his purpose. Although we may not understand, perseverance may bring unexpected blessings. God knows what we need and what may not be good for us. We have to, in faith, believe that God will give us all that is good for us and for our circumstances. We may ask for things that God knows will not be good for us and therefore his answer to our prayers may be a loving "no".
The point is that persistent prayer is the demonstration of faith in God who, while at times may seem not to listen to our prayers, will always act lovingly, decisively and justly with respect to our needs. God always listens to us because God loves us.
Peace and love,
Sue
"Be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)
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