“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV
Picture a toddler who is learning to walk. After a few shaky steps, he stumbles and falls. Yet, instead of giving up, he clings to his parent’s hand and tries again. Every step, no matter how small, brings him closer to walking with confidence.
Prayer works in much the same way. At times, it may feel like your words bounce off the ceiling unanswered, you wonder if God is listening. But remember that like the toddler who keeps rising after every fall, you are called to persevere in prayer trusting that each prayer moves you closer to God’s perfect will.
To persevere means to maintain focus in spite of difficulty or discouragement. Perseverance in prayer is not about convincing God to act, as if He were unwilling. Rather, it is about being transformed as you pray. You learn to trust God’s timing and will, even when the answer is delayed or different from your expectations.
The scripture gives us so many examples of people who persisted in prayer. Hannah prayed for years before Samuel was born (1 Samuel 1:7), Elijah prayed seven times before rain finally fell on Israel after the famine (1 Kings 18:42-44) and even Jesus Himself prayed three times in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 44) and the Father answered, not by removing the cup, but by sending strength (Luke 22: 43).
Jesus emphasized prayer several times in His ministry. In the parable of the persistent widow, even an unjust judge yielded to her persistence (Luke 18:1-8). If persistence can move an unjust man, how much more will your just and loving Father answer when you cry out to Him?
In another parable, a man knocked on his friend’s door at midnight until he received what he needed (Luke 11:5-8). If persistence can stir reluctant people, how much more will your heavenly Father respond when His children pray without ceasing?
When you pray, sometimes God answers immediately. Other times, His answer is “Wait.” And at times, His answer may even be “No.” But remember: delay does not mean denial. Even in the waiting, God is at work, shaping you, preparing you for what He has in store for you.,
Dear believer, prayer does more in you than it does through you. So don’t give up. Keep knocking, keep seeking, keep asking. Heaven’s doors will open in God’s perfect time. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.
Bible Reading Plan: Song of Solomon 6–8; Galatians 3:1–20