October 4, 2016 Reading
SCRIPTURE
- Esther 3-8
- Luke 18
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 NIV
OBSERVATION
Always pray – Don’t give up
Jesus told a parable of a widow who kept coming to judge asking for justice on an issue. Over and over she came. This judge didn’t care about her or her issue, but after enough times of her showing up he got tired of her bothering him. And he was a little scared of her. So he relented and did as she asked.
I, on the other hand, have a Judge who loves me. A judge who sent his son to die for me. I should keep asking. Keep bringing my concerns to God, even when I don’t seem to be getting an answer. Even when I don’t get the answer I want.
One of my regular prayers is for the salvation of a loved one, and this is a prayer I’ve been praying for a long time. There are times I feel like giving up.
But maybe in this parable it isn’t just about getting my request heard and answered. Maybe it is also about my faith. And the more time I spend talking to God, the stronger my faith and walk will become. And my ability to witness to this person will become stronger as they see me living my faith.
ACTION
Prayer.
I keep a prayer journal. Kind of. Some days I’m really on, some days I’m off. Basically I have three people I pray for every day:
- My husband (I love the prayers in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian)
- My two daughters
Then my goal is to rotate through praying for other people, organizations, causes, etc.
This parable is a reminder to not give up, even when I feel frustrated or like my prayer is futile.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for this reminder to always pray and to never give up. Please give me discipline and consistency in my prayer life. Help me to pray without ceasing. Thank you that we are able to lift our petitions directly to you and that you listen.
Becoming Mary 