The Power of Persistent Prayer

My pastor at Northside Baptist Church mentioned Luke 18:1-8, "The Story of the Persistent Widow," in passing this past Sunday when we were talking about the power of persistent prayer. I was intrigued because I didn't remember that story, but it sounded really interesting. 

Here's the story in the modern version: 

"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 Jesus 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?” 

Wow. After reading that short story, I was speechless. There is so much wisdom in just a few verses. First of all, Jesus is telling not only his disciples this story, as an illustration, but also anyone who would listen. And at that time in history, He was never alone. Jesus was surrounded by thousands of people in need of help, in need of encouragement, in need of hope. Here, Jesus begins the short story by saying...Pray consistently and never quit! Tell God what you need and tell Him every day because it will make you feel better, as you don't hold onto your prayer request alone, but instead surrender it to God. And God wants to hear from us every day. How can He have a relationship with us if we don't talk to Him and we don't tell him what's on our mind? 

Next, Jesus dives into the story and specifically highlights that the judge who was being "badgered" by this widow did not have a relationship with God. The judge didn't care about God or other people, but he selfishly gave this woman what she was asking, so that he would not be bothered by her persistence anymore. Then Jesus states the Moral of the Story...Here's a judge who has no connection with God, but he gave a persistent woman what she asked. How much more will God who we have a connection with give us what we ask if we are persistent in prayer? I love how the words say, "He will not drag his feet," meaning that God will not delay in giving you what you persistently pray about with Him. This woman was seeking justice, which she deserved. You may be seeking a new job or provision, which you deserve. These are all good requests that if we go to God daily and surrender this request to Him, He will not drag His feet, but get to work on our behalf to help us. 

Finally, Jesus asks a very compelling question to all of His listeners, past, present, and future: "But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?" Jesus is asking the crowd around him, "Who among you would persistently pray like that?" That question is a charge for us to have this type of persistent faith, the faith of the persistent widow, and pray with perseverance because God will answer us and not delay in helping us. So, pray with persistence for your need and watch God work on your behalf without delay.