THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 18:1-8
“A parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1)
Faith does not let go, even if its hard to hang on.
Jesus knows that life can be hard, and that God often waits to respond.
He knows this from personal experience.
But He also shows us through His experience how to hang on to God.
This parable may seem odd, comparing God to an unjust judge.
But He is using an extreme contrast to make a point: HOW MUCH MORE!
If even an unjust judge will respond, how much more the God of justice!
This woman has no other options; if the judge does not help her, no one can.
We are in the same boat; if God does not help us, no one else can.
These words are for those who struggle, for those whose faith is tested.
You are not alone, and you are not without hope… hang on!
I find this kind of desperate faith more real, more inspiring, than easy faith.
Jesus is both warning me about trouble, and urging me to hang on to God!
Will Jesus find me hanging on to Him in faith when He comes again?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for inspiring followers that cling to You through hardship and struggle. They help me to pray and not give up!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Persistence.
How quickly do we lose heart and forget the Lord God. This parable once again gives hope and encouragement and confidence that in all of life I need to take it to God in prayer. I am standing on the promises of God and need to place my trust in Him today and always. He will take care of me. I just need to prayerfully go forward each day with Him.
1
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.