“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:1-8
What an incredible story of a bold fearless woman, who would not give up! She believed her pleas would be answered, she didn’t fear rejection, she boldly approached and pleaded persistently until she was heard. I have found in my own life how easy it is for me to believe that God can and will answer my prayers, that there is nothing impossible for Him to accomplish, but the area I have often struggled with is the idea of being persistent. I guess I could just attribute it to the fact that I believe God hears my first prayer and He’ll answer it when He is ready to, but I often forget about the life changing, faith building times that come when you are persistently on your knees before the throne.
Of course God knows what we need. He can read our thoughts after all, He knows the pain and cries within our hearts. But God doesn’t want to just read our minds, He wants to commune with us. He wants to hear our pleas! When we are face to face with God, pouring our heart out, shedding our desperate tears, we are reminding ourselves of how capable, amazing and faithful our God is. We are reminding ourselves that we can do nothing apart from him. We are letting go of our ability to work to control and answer our own needs and giving control to the One who can answer! We are literally being molded, shaped, and transformed as we persist in our prayers! Wow! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
So how do we as the busy people we are, who work jobs, lead organizations, go to school, take care of kids and our homes persist in prayer? Our schedules seem to be full of so many tasks, so many details that try to pull our focus away from a deep prayer life. One way that I have found is that whenever I have a quiet moment, folding laundry, driving to work (and turning off the radio), cleaning my kitchen, or even just walking up the stairs, I look for those moments when it’s quiet and sometimes it may only be 30 seconds, but that’s when I turn my focus to God. The great thing about God is that He doesn’t have a location. You don’t need a closet to go to or a specific place, not that those things are wrong! In fact seasons of focused communion with God are good, and life-giving. But, it is also freeing to know that He is everywhere! He is omnipresent! He is always listening! So seek out those quiet moments. Still your heart, silence the radio and the noise around you, even if it’s only for a few seconds and go before the Lord! Commune with Him throughout the day! Shape yourself as you encounter His presence and watch what He does!
|
Just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you. |
We want to stay connected with you throughout the week!
Make sure to check out next steps to get further involved in our Renovation Church community.
- Growth Track is a four step journey designed to help you explore Renovation, discover your design, develop your leadership, and Join the Team!
- We have a new Facebook group, created to foster conversation and a sense of community in a virtual setting.
- If you recently became a Christian we want to support you. Please fill out our Next Steps Card and we will be in contact.
- Need Prayer? We have a team here to walk alongside you through any season. Please fill out our Prayer Card so we can partner with you.
Don’t forget to follow us on on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news about upcoming events and information.