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- Feb 9, 2004
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Water is a powerful force of nature. One of the most dynamic ways this force works is not all at once, but over the course of time. Just look at the Grand Canyon. This breathtaking landmark was essentially carved by the Colorado River over an extended period of time.
It's easy to underestimate the long-term outcome of a practice over time, and I think that’s true about prayer. Sometimes we simply don’t realize the impact prayer can have on our lives when we consistently allow its power to flow. The result can be a life more impressive than even the Grand Canyon.
In today's reading, Jesus tells a story that highlights an important lesson about consistency in prayer. There is a woman who is completely vulnerable and in need of help. This woman, who is a widow, is having a problem with a cruel judge who won't help her in her time of need. Eventually the judge fulfills the widow's request, but it is only because of her persistence.
God is always fighting for those who are in need, and He did this most powerfully by coming in the person of Jesus. When we persistently come to God in prayer, we are trusting Him to work in each and every situation.
Prayer Prompts:
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Devotional: YouVersion / Bible.com
It's easy to underestimate the long-term outcome of a practice over time, and I think that’s true about prayer. Sometimes we simply don’t realize the impact prayer can have on our lives when we consistently allow its power to flow. The result can be a life more impressive than even the Grand Canyon.
In today's reading, Jesus tells a story that highlights an important lesson about consistency in prayer. There is a woman who is completely vulnerable and in need of help. This woman, who is a widow, is having a problem with a cruel judge who won't help her in her time of need. Eventually the judge fulfills the widow's request, but it is only because of her persistence.
God is always fighting for those who are in need, and He did this most powerfully by coming in the person of Jesus. When we persistently come to God in prayer, we are trusting Him to work in each and every situation.
Prayer Prompts:
- Acknowledge that we live in a broken world and that there is injustice all around us.
- Thank God for His willingness to reach into our brokenness and bring healing.
- Ask Him to work through you to bring healing to others in specific situations of injustice, brokenness, and hurt.
- Confess if there are areas where you don’t see God moving, and ask Him to help you trust Him in these areas.
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Devotional: YouVersion / Bible.com
