Don't Lose Heart!

Daily Reading:  Luke 18

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18.1)

Devotional Thought: Are you tempted to give up in your prayers for something?  Today’s chapter, Luke 18, is for you!  Here we read the parable of the persistent widow.  Many times in Jesus’ parables he compares the events and characters of the parable to real life to make a point.  At times, he contrasts things to make his point.  In this parable, Jesus compares and contrasts.

As followers of Jesus who engage in prayer, we are compared to the persistent widow.  We are taught that we should keep on praying even when...

• The unrighteous do not respond.

• The answer is delayed.

• Your words seem unheard.

• You grow weary of holding on.

In the words of the Old Testament prophet: “If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2.3).  That kind of praying and that kind of faith will be rewarded.

The contrast in the parable is between God and the unrighteous judge...

God knows what is right and always responds to what is right.

God is not withholding the answers to our prayers in a capricious, calloused way. 

God need not be cajoled into answering. 

God is always working for our good - even in the delays! 

If you are waiting, you can rest assured that there is a reason for your wait.  And, you will be more greatly blessed because of it!

Keep on praying!

Prayer: Help me not to lose heart, Lord, when my prayers are not answered as quickly as I desire.  You are able, dependable, kind, and loving.  I trust in you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 142.1-7

1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.

2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.

5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!

7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.