Pray and Never Give Up

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 18:6-8 NLT - Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"

OBSERVATION:
In Luke chapter 18, Jesus tells a parable about prayer and perseverance in prayer—never giving up. This word 'persistent' is one we frequently use but may not fully understand.

“Persistent” describes something that continues or lasts longer than usual, often despite difficulty or opposition, or something that is constantly repeated.

We can easily relate to ongoing annoyance or a lingering health issue, but persistence in something that demands time, energy, and sacrifice is often something we’d prefer to avoid. Why is that?

Jesus gave us the answer! In the NKJV, the phrase 'never give up' is translated as 'never lose heart.' Often, our persistence ends when we lose heart.

Unlike the widow who approached the unjust judge—who had neither fear of God nor intention of doing what was right—we often give up too quickly. Still, the widow kept coming, persistently.

Finally, after the judge grew tired, he conceded and granted her request. He admitted the woman was driving him “crazy.” Her persistence overcame significant obstacles, discouragement, and delays until the answer was reached.

APPLICATION:
Jesus asked a very sobering question regarding prayer:

Luke 18:8 NLT - “…When the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"

What have we been praying for? Are we praying amiss? Or have we given up hope when prayer becomes hard? Often, we lose faith before seeing the answer.

As we pray for the lost, remember what Jesus said:

John 3:16-17 NLT - "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."

When we pray for answers, remember what Jesus said:

Luke 11:9-10 NLT - "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Finally, when you're praying for provision, remember what Jesus said:

Luke 12:29-32 NLT - "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."

Let us be those who pray in faith—never give up and never lose hope.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me not to give up or lose hope. You know the answers before I ask. What is impossible for me is possible for You. Teach me the lesson of persistence in prayer.