“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1 NIV)
The reason we’re to be persistent in our prayers is because persistence pays off. The parable Jesus shared with the disciples was about a widow. She had an adversary that was tormenting her in some way. Day after day, she would go to the judge and ask him to do something about it. He ignored her. He was the type of judge who didn’t care about anyone but himself. However, her persistence paid off. Eventually, he takes care of the situation because he realizes she’s never going to stop. Jesus point to this story, if an unjust judge like this one eventually does the right thing, how much more so will our heavenly Father if we don’t give up. Persistent prayers pay off.
Persistent prayers pay off.
Persistent prayers pay off, but it probably won’t be the way you think they will. God does answer all prayers. He answers prayers in His time, in His way. Rarely is it the way we think it will or should be. Persistent praying does more than get an answer, persistent praying grows us closer to God. The more we talk to God, the deeper our relationship with Him grows. When we start praying scripture, we go even deeper. Persistent prayers’ true pay off is a deeper relationship with God.
When we pray God’s promises, we hold Him accountable to His word. Click here for a list of 50 of God’s promises from the Bible. Scan down through the list and find the one that fits your situation. Write it down, place it somewhere you will see it often. Memorize it, speak it, pray it. Hold God accountable to His word. Grow closer to Him as you get to know Him more intimately through your prayers. Your persistence will pay off. God will answer, and when He does, it will have been worth the wait.
Question of the Day:
What promise of God are you going to cling to today?
Further Reading: Joshua 13:1-14:15 NIV, Luke 18:1-17 NIV, Psalm 85:1-13 NIV, Proverbs 13:7-8 NIV
