April 11
2019
Persistence
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. “Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ “And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ‘yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8
I find the introduction to this parable the most valuable piece of the story.
“Then He spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”
The widow was persistent.
She continued to go to the judge with her request until her need was met.
But it took her persistence and some time.
Jesus spoke this parable with the intention of encouraging us to be persistent in prayer and not to become discouraged.
How many times do we give up after one hastily said prayer, offered up in passing?
There is value in being persistent and in allowing time.
When we pray we need to commit to it.
We need to stop, take the time and then follow up.
Jesus says we are not to become discouraged.
We need to go into this process understanding that it will take persistence and time, therefore our experience will line up with our expectations.
Question for Discussion
How persistent are you in prayer?