Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
“Don’t give up; look up.”
This guy didn't desire to get along with anyone.
Luke 18:4, 5: “For some time, he refused, but finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice.’”
Luke 18:7 “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you He will see that they get their justice and quickly.”
"I'm not like the judge. I'm eager to answer your prayers."
#1. Persistent praying helps me focus on God.
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 105:4 "Look to the Lord. Go to Him for help."
#2. Persistent praying clarifies my requests.
Most of our prayers are too vague or too general.
Zechariah 13:9 "I will test them as gold is tested, and then they will pray, and I will answer them."
A delay is not a denial.
Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
Half-hearted prayers don't touch the throne room of God.
#3. Persistent praying prepares me for the answer.
Ephesians 3:20 “Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us, is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hope.”
There are changes that God wants to make in each of us.
It's a matter of God waiting on us to get ready.
God's delays help me focus on Him.
#4. Persistent praying strengthens my faith.
Praying persistently is a faith-building exercise.
Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
"The harvest is coming. Don't give up!"
"Then go."
He always rewards your faith.
Prayer and faith go together.
A delay doesn't mean that nothing is happening.
But we must continue to ask, seek, and knock.
"No, I've never been lost. I've been bewildered for days and sometimes for weeks, but I keep going."
Just keep going!