Persistent Prayer: Faith Found

“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart…. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” ~Luke 18:1, 8

The Power of Persistent Prayer

This is the picture of persistent prayer that refuses to lose heart.

Toward the end of Jesus’s life on earth, at the close of his ministry before his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, he tells a parable that ends with a disconcerting question.

Here is the parable: “Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:1-8).

In a city, a corrupt judge reflects the disorganization in Galilee and Peræa under Roman rule. The parable portrays extreme dishonesty where typical motives for right actions are missing; nevertheless, the unjust judge gives the woman justice not because he respects God or man but because the widow did not lose heart—she is persistent in her prayer. Ultimately, God works through our leaders whether they be just or unjust. We do not live by their whims but by the Lord’s will. Jesus encourages us to continually put our faith in Him actionably through prayer regardless of how corrupt or disheartening a world we live in. Do not let the questioning of “what’s the good of prayer?” cause you to stop praying. Doubt will diminish your faith. Jesus gives us an example of a widow working through overwhelming difficulty—she did not lose heart and God did not forsake her. Jesus wonders, “Even though we (the Trinity) work on your behalf day and night will you stick with me until the end?”

Always improve the present moment—ensure He finds faith upon His return!