Scripture & Thought
Proverbs 24:16
“For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by a calamity.”
Dr. David Jeremiah, in his book “Life Wide Open,” writes this: “Passionate people hang in there when the going gets tough. They persist, they persevere, they never lose heart, and they never quit.”
In Luke’s gospel, Luke 18:1, Jesus told his disciples a parable to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. You may remember the story. There was a judge who was a godless man who had contempt for everyone. A woman in the city had been physically abused and had repeatedly sought help from this judge, without relief. The judge tried to ignore her appeals, but eventually “she wore him out” and he granted her the justice she desired.
The point Jesus made was this: If a corrupt judge could be persuaded to do the right thing for a desperate woman, don’t you think God “will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him and day and night? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly!” (Luke 18:7-8 NLT).
The lesson Jesus wanted his followers to learn was not about a corrupt judicial system, but about a caring God and the importance of being persistent in prayer.
Let me remind you of what the Psalmist said, in Psalms 46:1-3:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, encourage me to never give up, even when things appear to be impossible. And especially when everything that is nailed down seems to be coming loose, help me to not lose heart. Like many others, I have concerns that remain unresolved, even though I have prayed about them for a very long time. In those cases, teach me patience. Tell me when I need to get more involved and when I need to step back and let you do your work. Remind me that my victory is always in you.
Amen