PUSH
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1 ESV
Perseverance is an important Christian virtue. We see it in Peter’s list of Christian virtues. “…make every effort to add to your faith, goodness….and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness….” (2 Peter 2:5-6 NIV)
Hebrews declares, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 NIV)
Jesus modeled consistency and persistence in prayer, He instructed His disciples in prayer and he tells them a parable about the importance of always praying and not “losing heart.”
Prayer can be a challenge for many. Consistency in prayer can be a challenge and being persistent in prayer and not becoming discouraged is all part of our life of prayer.
In the parable that Jesus tells he uses a story of human persistence. A widow who demanded justice from an unjust ruler. The woman’s persistence finally results in turning the heart of this insensitive ruler.
Jesus uses the parable to contrast how persistence moved the heart of an unjust human ruler to help them understand that they need to continue to seek the their heavenly Father who is a willing and just God. One one occasion Jesus said, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)
When it came to meeting their needs Jesus said, “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:31,32 NIV)
We need not be afraid to ask and we must not be afraid that our heavenly Father will treat us in an unjust manner. He will make sure that all of our needs are met as we trust in Him and seek Him.
So Jesus tells His disciples to “always” pray. It is important to pray about everything. That can often be a challenge in a rush to get things done, take action and be the one who controls our life and destiny. Paul’s advice, “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.” (Philippians 4:6 CEV)
Then we need to keep praying, yes even about the same thing. We can pray until the issue is resolved or the answer we seek is given. We see this in Jesus prayer in the garden, as He faced the cross. His simple repeated prayer was, “Let this cup pass from me, nevertheless they will be done.” (Matthew 26:39)
It is in this commitment to persistent prayer that it is easy to “lose heart.” That is what Jesus recognizes and that is what He is addressing in this parable. We don’t know the reason for the timing of answers to prayer. That is outside of our understanding, rationale or comprehension. We do know that we are to keep on praying and to resist the temptation to become discouraged and give up.
Keep mind this acrostic for the word, “PUSH” – Pray Until Something Happens.
Prayer for today….. Lord help us to pray consistently. Help us to prayer with perseverance. Help us to pray and not to give up or lose heart. May we be reminded that when we do our part, you are more than willing and faithful to do Your part.