Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 (NIV)
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 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 (NKJV)
Today I want to encourage you to pray and don’t give up! I often feel like the persistent widow, praying over and over again for the same things. I pray for our children, I pray for our camping ministry, I pray for those with cancer, I pray for our country. Every morning I bring my petitions to Jesus, just as the widow did to the judge. Unlike the judge, Jesus doesn’t grow weary of my persistence, and at just the right time He sends His answers. Jesus is always ready to hear our prayers and share a CUPP of TEA. My friends, pray and don’t give up!
But I am poor and needy;
Make haste to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay. Psalm 70:5 (NKJV)