Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told this parable to help his listeners understand that we must be persistent in our prayers and not give up.
First let's look at the parable itself:
Who needed help?
Why is her marital status important?
In that time, she had no legal rights because she was female. She could not own property, and she had no husband to protect or provide for her.
What was her problem?
We don't know specifically – but someone had harmed her.
Where did she go for help?
What is the description given of the judge?
So why did he help her?
Do you think Jesus is saying that God is like the judge?
I certainly don't! I believe that what He is saying is that just as we are persistent in earthly matters with earthly judges, we should be persistent in spiritual matters.
Some people pray for something a couple of times or maybe for a week – then give up. I have two outstanding prayer requests that I bring to God every single day. One began in 1999, the other in 2001. I am certain that both will eventually be answered, but in the meantime, I wait expectantly. I know that God is at work and I thank Him and trust Him because He promises to bring justice and righteousness. Prayer is something we continue day after day until we get an answer from God.
Now, sometimes God says, “No.” If we are sure He has said no, then we need to quit praying about it – because God has already answered. But in many cases, God wants us to keep praying so that He can work in our hearts and change us into people of great faith.
Then Jesus asks an interesting question in Luke 18:8. Do you think He will find faith when He comes to earth the 2nd time?