Text: Luke 18:1-8
Memory verse:
“And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” Luke 18:7 NKJV
One of the most discussed topics in recent times in social, print, and news media is the right to protest. Citizens and employees use it as the most potent tool to get the attention of the government or employers and to pester, pressure, or force them to change their bad policies.
The wicked judge said in our text. “yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then, she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’ ”(Luke 18:5 BSB). The NLT says, “but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”
Is Jesus teaching us through this parable to keep asking and asking until we also weary, pester, pressure, or force God to act against His will? Never! Perseverance in prayer is not to force God to act against His will but to express our faith in Him. If you believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, you will not walk away from Him because of the delay in getting an answer. God only answers the prayer of faith and not the prayer of fear. If you know that God is a promise keeper and He is able to do all things; if you know Him as being too righteous to act unrighteously, then you will wait for Him against all the odds. You don’t persevere in prayer because God is unwilling to answer you but because you have unshaken faith in Him. Like Martin Luther said, “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.”
The scripture says concerning Abraham that “and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Rom 4:21). Even though Abraham had every reason to doubt God’s promise and to seek help elsewhere, he continued to persevere in prayer for 25 years until the promise was fulfilled. What about Elijah, who continued earnestly in prayer seven times to have rain, which he had earlier prophesied it’s coming? (1 Kings 18:41, 44-45). What about the Syrophoenecian woman who held on despite unanswered prayer and seeming disqualification? Finally, Jesus said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matt 15:28).
Friends, unlike the wicked judge, our God is righteous, just, compassionate and good and always willing to help. Stretch your faith and never give up in prayer. Your testimony is much nearer than you think! Hallelujah!
Prayer points
1. Father, You are just and good. You are the most righteous, compassionate and merciful. Be exalted, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please, increase my faith and let me never give up in the place of prayer, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. My faith is measured by how long I am able to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises in my life.
2. I don’t attempt to pester or pressure God by persevering in prayer but to demonstrate my faith in Him and in His word.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng