Persistence = Faith

Today, we studied the parable of the persistent widow. The unjust judge finally gave her justice because she was "wearing him out." Jesus used this parable to teach his disciples to pray and not give up. So often we think that the answer is no when a request to God is not met. This parable shows us that we may be asked to have faith and continue asking. It is hard to keep asking when no answer is given; this is where faith comes in.



The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. God did this to "humble them, and test them in order to know what was in their hearts, whether or not they would keep His commandments." Deuteronomy 8:2 Some of the things we have been praying for has not been left unanswered for 40 years yet. Have we been passing the test, showing our hearts pure, humbling ourselves before God and man, and keeping His commandments? God is not done with us yet. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Surely He is still testing our hearts just as He did with the Israelites. In the parable of the persistent widow Jesus gives us instruction to never give up. I'm so glad that He said this, or we would have the mentality that God is tired of hearing us. Persistence in prayer is only possible if faith is present!

Even when we walk in the wilderness we are not alone. God is providing our needs. He fed the Israelites manna, gushed water out of a rock, kept their clothes from wearing out, and kept their feet from swelling. Miracles are present all around us, even though it may not be the miracle that we want right then. If you are walking in the wilderness, start thanking God for the provisions He has made then make your request with faith. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requsts to God." Philippians 4:6 "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8