SCRIPTURE
"He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged." (Luke 18:1)
OBSERVATION
Jesus told a parable about a widow who kept approaching a judge (a man who neither feared God nor respected people) for justice against her adversary. The judge granted her request so she didn't wear him out by her persistent asking. Basically he gave her what she wanted so she would go away.
Jesus contrasted this unjust judge with a just God. God will carry out justice and He does hear the prayers of His people who cry out to Him day and night.
APPLICATION
Jesus told this parable because He knew discouragement could be a possibility when we pray. It could come from those times our prayers seemingly go unanswered. Or, when we pray God seems very distant and far away. Busyness keeps us from praying. It's hard with all of the competing thoughts in our heads to maintain focus. The result of any one of these could be "why bother?"
Jesus simply reminds me to keep praying. No matter what it looks like with my eyes I can have confidence because I'm praying to a just God. Unlike people who act on a whim, He always acts in a way that is consistent with His character.
This parable is not a guarantee that God will always give me what I want. Jesus follows it by saying, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes will He find that faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8). Nevertheless (even if you are persistent and God does or does not give me what I ask) I am to be persistent in prayer. That is the kind of faith Jesus is looking for. In the end it's not so much that I receive my request by that I'm faithful in requesting. God is looking for a constant dialogue with Him. The judge granted the woman her request so she would go away. God wants to keep me near and walk in relationship with Him.
Sometimes I can pray treating God like a genie in a bottle. I'll rub the bottle (pray) and He will give my what I want. God is far more concerned about my faith that granting my wishes. He's looking to develop my character and persistent praying is a way that He does just that. He's more concerned that I'll stick with Him and pray instead of getting what I want and going my own way.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to develop that kind of persistent praying that develops my character. When Jesus returns I want to have the faith that will make him proud.
