Persistently Persistent

Focus Scriptures: Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 7:7

Being a mom I’m all too familiar with kids constantly asking for the same thing over and over. As toddlers it was a new toy or to go to the park. As teens it’s a new outfit or to go hang out with friends. The what is constantly changing, but the persistence to obtain it does not. They know that their persistence will pay off. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, or sometimes it’s wait. But their persistence is always welcomed. As is ours with God.

Jesus uses a parable of a persistent widow to teach His disciples the practice of being persistent in prayer. This parable paints a clear picture of how the Lord wants us to be when we come before Him with desires. This parable is of a woman who approaches an unjust judge asking for justice in her situation. At first this judge refuses her. In fact, Jesus says that he refused her for some time. I believe when He says "for some time" He's reminding them that sometimes our prayers aren't answered right away, which is why persistence is necessary. He goes on to share just how determined this woman was to receive the justice she deserves. When the judge couldn’t stand it any longer he finally agrees to see to it she gets justice. He reminds His disciples of who God is and how He won't put off His people like the unjust judge in the parable.

Persistence can be hard when we don't see the answer to our prayers right away. What is it that you asked the Lord for before but have given up? We sometimes grow tired of bringing our desires to Him and say forget it He's not answering, or we may even feel like we've asked too many times and He's getting tired of hearing it. The difference between the judge in the story and the true Judge is that our Judge never grows tired of us bringing it to Him. He never says you’re driving Him crazy with your persistent asking. Remember, He takes His time and His timing is always perfect. He says to keep asking, keep knocking, keep seeking. He loves persistence because it helps keep us close to Him. It keeps us coming back to Him. It keeps us seeking Him. Exercise your persistence no matter what the outcome may be. He’s looking for it and He welcomes it. Keep praying and don't give up!

As always,

Be pretty. Be you.

You are loved more than you know.