Let’s explore the parable of the Persistent Widow. Here Jesus teaches us to be faithful in our prayer and never to lose heart. That God’s timetable is not always our own…
The Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
How many times have we asked God for something in prayer and we become frustrated or feel as though we aren’t being heard? I can promise you, God hears every prayer.
In the text in Luke the widow was determined to have the judge grant her request. She went to him wearing him down until he couldn’t stand it anymore and he finally granted her what she pleaded for.
God wants us to continually pray to him as well. But there is a big difference between the ungodly judge and Our Lord. You see the judge was self-serving. He had no intention of assisting the widow. The only reason she prevailed was because he got tired of dealing with her
Our Lord loves and cares about our needs. Think about it he already knows what we need before we ask. At times when we pray we become impatient and want the answer NOW. But God knows what is best for us.
He may answer Yes, or NO, or wait.
That doesn’t mean we should stop praying.
Prayer is our communication hotline to God.
The way I feel about it is the widow had to almost beg the unjust judge. When we pray we ask God for what we need and HE answers. We ask never beg, God doesn’t want us to beg. He just wants us to accept HIS perfect decision in our life.
The effectual fervent prayer. What is that? That is when you put your heart and soul into your prayer and you know that God is listening. You know the prayer isn’t stopping at the ceiling as they say. And it goes on to say of a righteous man. The man who is walking in the Word. Who is faithful. ..Availeth much, blessings received and overflow. Even when the answer is No or wait. Because God is sufficient.
James 5:16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
God just doesn’t want us to be careless with our prayers Would you want to hear from someone and they really weren’t present when they talked to you? Of course not.
God loves everyone but the prayer of the unrighteous man that God wants to hear is the prayer of repentance.
So if you have been praying for something don’t stop.
Personal Testimony – Patience is Rewarded
I will share something personal.
I have a grandchild that was given up for adoption. I was devastated. I was not permitted communication with my grandchild. I prayed and prayed. After eleven years I was finally allowed to meet my grandchild. ELEVEN YEARS. I was thrilled. Although I’d like to say I have a relationship with them I cannot but God will open that door when the time is ready.
He hears us. He Loves us. He Cares for us.
Never give up on prayer. Be persistent, Be Faithful, Be Ready
Your answer is on the way
God Bless You
Aglow
