Hey sis, do you believe in the power of prayer?
How’s your prayer life?
How often do you strategically petition God for things you earnestly desire? Do you contend and wrestle with God in prayer, or do you get swept up in doubt, grow weary and eventually fail to keep making your requests known?
I’ve been in the place of doubting the Lord and lacking faith many times to my shame. I sometimes get discouraged when I feel as though God isn’t hearing me, answering me quick enough or answering in the way I think is best. Recently I’ve been greatly encouraged by the Parable of the Persistent Widow. Studying this passage of scripture has in many ways transformed how I approach praying to the Father in heaven.
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 esv
This parable demonstrates the character of our God in heaven, and also provides an example of the attitude we should have when we approach his throne of grace. Here are my three key take-aways from this parable:
The woman didn’t cease to ask for justice, despite initially being turned down and sent away.
A widow was someone of very low social standing in society. They were seen as helpless burdens and had no influence over dealings with the law. The woman overcame the mental and social hurdles of rejection, humiliation and by faith continued to boldly approach the judge anew each day, despite not knowing what the outcome would be. Keep on sending your petitions to God and don’t allow a shut door to stop you from knocking.
Though the judge was unjust, he was eventually persuaded to grant the woman’s request because of her persistence.
The judge could have easily said no and left it at that without fearing any consequences, but being moved by the widows fervency, he justified her and granted her the protection that she needed. and The widow warmed the heart of an unrighteous judge eventually obtained what she asked for.
If the judge being unjust, and partial to those of higher social status, yet still granted the widow her wishes. How much more our heavenly father?
How much more the Father of Lights in whom there is no shadown on turning. How much more will our Righteous Judge and King grant us those things that we need earnestly if we ask him sincerely? If you find yourself becoming weary or frustrated, I hope this encourages you to not give up on praying. You can depend wholly on the love of God, and he will answer you in his perfect timing.
Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus didn’t say when, or how the door will be opened. But continue to press in and we can trust that if it is God’s will, it will be opened. Have you had to go through a season of persistence in prayer until the Lord answered? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Joanne Olayinka 