Persistent Widow

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’

“He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”

Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he 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 18:1-8 (MSG)

Lord, I want to be persistent in my prayers for my brothers Caleb, Bart, and Michael.  I plead their case and pray that You will save them.  Please don’t let them leave this earth without knowing Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  I pray that any hold the enemy has on them will be broken.  May they be hit over the head with a spiritual two by four that knocks them to their knees.  Please help them see their need for You!  Oh God, it is Your spirit that draws all men unto Yourself.  I pray that Your spirit will fervently work in my brothers’ hearts.  Please remove the blinders from their eyes and help them see the Truth of who You are and all that You can be in their lives.

I also find myself being persistent in my prayers for my dad.  Lord, You alone know the timing of his full recovery.  You alone know when You will restore him back to complete health.  Lord, I read that it only takes faith as small as a mustard seed to move a mountain.  I think my faith is at least that big and I know that You are a God of miracles.  My dad is in Your hands and his complete healing is just a matter of time.  I trust in You!  I do not trust in circumstances or what I see with my own eyes, as what I see can be deceiving at times.  I place my hope in You Jesus.  I pray that You will bring my dad through this terrible storm better, stronger, and more alive than ever!

“Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”  ~Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

What are you praying for?  Let’s be the persistent widow and keep going to God until we receive the answer.  God never tires of hearing our sweet voices.  He welcomes every prayer and daily is moving and working in ways that we cannot comprehend.  A reminder for me and all of us today is that….

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” ~2 Peter 3:9