I’ve often wondered if Jesus ever got discouraged with praying for stuff.  If indeed He “was tempted/tested in all points as we are,” I reckon He did.  So it was with understanding and genuine concern that “He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”  (Luke 18:1)

His story of the little lady who wouldn’t leave the judge alone about her concerns is wonderfully simple, and a bit funny.  It makes you picture in your mind the tight lips and rolling eyes the crabby old magistrate must have displayed every time he saw her coming.  Jesus said he “did not fear God or regard man,” but he sure found out you can’t brush off some of the little people when their heart is fixed on an answer.  “Good grief,” Jesus may have pictured him muttering, “Somebody give her what she wants and get her out of here.”

“Hear what the unjust judge said,” Jesus then challenged us (Luke 18:6).  Think about it.  Even a guy with little character and a sorry disposition can be persuaded to render justice if we’re unwilling to be silenced by some resistance.  Her “continual coming” (vs. 5) was the heart of what Jesus has to say to us.

There are going to be plenty of times when the answer to a critical need doesn’t come right away.  We’ve all experienced that.  So in the parable Jesus asks his hearers to consider the character of God, and keep “crying out day and night to Him.”  “Won’t (God) stick up for them?  I assure you He will!  He will not drag His feet.  But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when He returns?” (Luke 18:8, The Message)

Our relationship with God is precious, but definitely challenging.  I certainly don’t have it figured out after serving Him over 60 years.  But as I look backward at the hundreds of times He’s rescued me from peril, or lack, or myself, the common denominator in all of them is that I “just kept bringing it,” and somehow, some way, it worked itself out for my good.  We don’t have to be able to explain how God works to truly appreciate Him.

You notice Jesus left His hearers with a question; “Will He find this kind of faith on the earth when He returns?”  If, as some believe, we’re living near the time of the Lord’s coming again, this question is most critical to answer, particularly in American Christian culture.  No one wants to have to wait for anything.  Process is a pain.  Postponement feels like punishment.  So we must examine our thinking and align ourselves with the rhythms of the kingdom and not with the beat of the culture, Christian or otherwise.

Whatever the need or concern on our hearts, just keep bringing it to the one Who is making “all things work together for good to those who love God . . .’  It’s going to be all right, but it just might take more than a few minutes!    Remember, there is opposition to the saints and our well being.  I’m always comforted to remember Gabriel’s explanation to Daniel after his three week’s of fasting and prayer. “. . . from the first day you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come because of your words.  But the Prince of Persia withstood me 21 days . . .

Let stay in the battle friends, knowing we’ve been heard and the answer is making its way toward us.  Till then, our part is to keep praying, “and not lose heart!”

You all be blessed today, and be encouraged.   Roger