Be Persistent!

While searching scripture for a friend a few years back I found this gem of a story.  I had been in the process of praying for her and the circumstances that brought her great pain.  It had already been a while and we were both getting weary waiting on God.

The Story of the Persistent Widow

18 1-3 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!’

4-5 “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.’”

6-8 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?”

The lady in this story would have no waiting!  She was seeking justice and would not stop until she got what she wanted.  I have to chuckle every time I read this.  We can all appreciate what the judge was experiencing being on the other end of a nagging friend or child, but the reality is when we are asked enough, when we are worn down by questions and pleas, we too can start to give in to requests.  Now God doesn't necessarily give in to us.  He has His own great plans and His own timeline.  He isn't necessarily swayed by our persistence, but the point of the story is that we can all relate to giving in to someone, even someone we don't like, but God, who is good and perfect and loves us unconditionaly, in a way we can never understand, is sure to give us good gifts out of His love and wanting what's best for us.  Things don't always happen in the timeframe we would expect and hope for but we must never give up.  Persistence is key in prayer.  It allows us to draw deeper into God's will and teaches us things along the way.  Persistence is hard work!  It tells a lot about our devotion and desires.  God wants to give us those things we desire and if we are in His will then those things will come!  As we are persistent, the things we ask for begin to line up with His will.  We may even notice a change in our desire, as we continuously persue God's help.