We all go through trials and tribulations. The Scriptures warn us that we would.
“In this world you will have tribulation....”
John 16:33
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous...”
Psalm 34:19
These adversities can be exhausting and even debilitating. We turn to God in prayer, but sometimes the answer does not come. It is tempting, after an extended period of time, to determine that perhaps our desired result is not God's will. We can grow so weary that we decide to just accept our present circumstance and make the necessary adjustments to live with it.
I want to encourage you, however, when difficulties prevail, to keep persevering in prayer and faith. The parable of the persistent widow prompts us to do just that. Jesus Himself tells the story of a lowly widow who went to the town judge “repeatedly appealing for justice against someone who had harmed her.” Luke 18:3 The magistrate was an unjust Godless man who did not care about the woman or her cause. Yet, because she kept hounding him, the judge finally granted her request, if only to put an end to her harassment of him. Scripture goes on to encourage us.
“And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones,
who cry out to Him day and night?”
Luke 18:7
The Lord uses the widow's parable to prompt us to keep on asking with confidence and boldness.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
Jesus doesn't chide us but rather recommends that we keep crying out to the Father until we see His promises fulfilled in our lives.
If anyone had reason to lose heart, it was Abraham. He was 75 years old and childless when the Lord promised him that He would make Abraham's descendants into a great nation. Genesis 12:2 Abraham and Sarah did not conceive Isaac, the son of promise, until 25 years later. And yet,
“...Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age,
he figured his body was about as good as dead – and so was Sarah's womb.
Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that
God is able to do whatever he promises.”
Romans 4:19-21
Whatever is burdening you today, there is one who can destroy your yoke of oppression. Jesus can set you on high, meet your every need, and fill your heart with strength and joy. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking. You may be weary by evening, but God's mercies are new every morning.
By Cathy Friberg
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