March 5, 2012

Luke 18:1-8

“Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, ‘There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!'

‘He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.'

Then the Master said, ‘Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?’”

This story serves to ingrain one message: PUSH! Pray Until Something Happens!!! So many times we get so tired of praying and not seeing results that we give up and let go right when we are about to be delivered. This lady asked night and day til she received what she was asking for, so why are we always so quick to give up??

Look at what Jesus tells the disciples in this chapter…they were dealing with an unjust judge here. So, given that our God is JUST, how much more quickly and faithful will He be to us if we continue to persist, pray, and knock on His door? Your persistence WILL PAY OFF!! If anything, God is just disappointed that He doesn’t see more of it as highlighted in the last verse. So, when you feel like giving up today, push yourself to keep going and keep praying. God will reward your persistence and you’ll have pleased Him in return :-)