Persistent Prayer

Read Luke 18:1-8  

In this parable Jesus is talking to His disciples. A disciple is a follower or learner. If we have surrendered our lives to the Lord by confessing our sin, believing He can and will forgive us of our sin and fill us with His Holy Spirit to live in obedience to Him, then we are followers and He is speaking to us.

Jesus begins talking about a widow, who in that culture had very little standing and many times would have received very little support from others. She had been taken advantage of, and must depend on the local authority for help. The problem is that the judge from whom she needs help seems only concerned about himself, does not care about her situation, and will not help her against someone who is mistreating her. 

Jesus points out that the widow did receive justice from her adversary, not because of her mistreatment but because she constantly complained to him. If an unjust judge can provide justice for someone he does not care about, imagine what Jesus can do for his followers who have been declared righteous in his sight (Romans 2:13). If we will cry out in faith (trust), we know He will listen and answer our prayers in His perfect timing.

The most important lesson to take from this parable is that we need to be reminded that He loves us and His timing is always perfect. He will act in our best interest as we continue trusting and surrendering to His perfect will no matter how long it takes. I see in this passage that He will act quickly, but in 2 Peter 2:8-9, we know a day is like a thousand years.

His timing is different from ours.

Do you have someone like a boss, a coworker, neighbor or acquaintance who has wronged you? Have you taken that disappointment to Jesus day and night until you see a way out? In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told not to fear but “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

FOR REFLECTION:

• Consider keeping a prayer journal to track your prayer needs and God’s responses. In which prayers have you exhibited enduring patience as you wait for God’s response? 

by Robin Trulen