We live in a world that wants instant gratification. We’re hungry and we want something to eat, so we pop something in the microwave, and in a couple of minutes we have a piping hot meal. We have drive-through restaurants where we order something, and drive a few feet and it’s waiting for us in a bag. Not that long ago when a movie came out, one had to wait for it to come to the movie theater near you, and then you had to go out to that theater to see it. Now the movies are streamed instantly right to your house whenever you want to see it. We’re not happy and get impatient if we don’t get what we want right away, and then we give up. If the line is too long at McDonald’s we drive away in frustration. If something isn’t available right away, we throw our hands up with impatience and give up. Jesus told a brief parable about the need to be persistent, that sometimes we might need to wait a while, and to not give up with impatience.
Have you ever prayed about something, something that you knew wasn’t clearly against the will of God, and then when you didn’t receive some sort of answer right away, you just gave up praying about it? Many Christians have. Jesus addressed this parable for just this reason. In our Scripture today Jesus began by telling us that we need to always pray, and not to ever lose heart (vs. 1). Prayer is not optional for believers. If you carry the name of Christian, you should be spending at least some time in prayer. In times of discouragement, believers must persevere in prayer rather than give up. The Apostle Paul said that we should never stop praying (I Thessalonians 5:17). That doesn’t mean that every waking moment we are on our knees in prayer. Instead our life can be a constant conversation with God.
Jesus proceeded to give a parable about a widow who was being unfairly treated by someone, and she sought a judge to receive justice in her case (vs. 2-5). The judge was ignoring her entreaties. He was a person who didn’t seem to care about people, or what was right or wrong, which is unfortunately the case with many people today. Instead of just giving up, the widow kept coming back, and coming back, and coming back again. She didn’t give up. Finally the judge was getting worn out with her persistence, and decided the only way to get her off his back was to see that she got the justice she was pleading for.
Jesus is teaching us here that we need to be like the widow and bring our petitions before God persistently, even when the rest of the world seems unjust. God is not annoyed by our prayers. He delights in our persistence because it reflects faith. If even an unrighteous judge responded to persistence, how much more will a righteous God respond to His beloved children! (vs. 6-7). Unlike the unjust judge, God is perfectly just and attentive to His people. He will act in His perfect timing to avenge His people (Romans 12:19).
Prayer can bring about many mighty things from the hand of God, and can turn any situation around. Prayer helps us get into the presence of God, and remain there continually. It is not a means of coercing God to do what we want. It is a process of recognizing His power and plan for our lives. In prayer we yield our lives and circumstances to the Lord, and trust Him to act in His time and in His way.
A key part to prayer is persistence. Never give up. God loves to see us blessed. If we don’t see an answer, keep praying. God is not reluctant to answer prayer. He is working things in our life in order to give us the very best, and wants us to get even closer to Him in the meantime.
Jesus ended His parable with the statement wondering if He will find any genuine faith on earth when He returns (vs. 8). Will He find persistent, believing prayer? In the last days faith may grow cold. Believers must remain steadfast, trusting God even when answers to prayer seem delayed. We cannot please God if we do not have any faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6).
As we close we need to determine in our life that we will keep on praying even when answers seem delayed. God is not ignoring you. He is working in ways we may not see. Be like the widow in the parable by being bold, persistent, and unwavering. Your faith honors God. Pray with confidence. He will answer. God is willing and waiting. Pray and pray again. In a world growing cold, be found faithful when Jesus returns.
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