Pray with a relentless attitude Jesus tells the parable of a widow and a judge who neither feared God or cared about what people thought. Yet he changed his mind because of a persistent widow, who kept showing up relentlessly for him to grant her justice against her adversary. Although he refused for sometime, he finally decided to give in and grant her request.
Jesus points our attention to what the judge says, (Luke 18:4-5) “ ‘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!’” This judge feels no constraint of right or wrong, but is compelled by persistence to deal justly with this woman, how much more, will the God who loves and cares about us answer our persistent prayers? God will not do like humans do; keep putting us off when we need his help, ignore our calls or postpone his justice or kindness toward his children. He is not like the unjust Judge who had to be badgered until he gave in.
What a relentless prayer looks like?
This is not the look of desperation, but one of confidence. A relentless person is one who will not be moved by what he sees or how difficult it becomes. He is steadfast, focused and patiently waits on God’s timing. She stands in faith no matter what comes her way, she relies on the word for her direction and confidence, and rests on the promises of God as Yeah and amen. According to Dr. Jerry Fowler, “Praying in faith is not denying that you have problems, but believing that God is BIGGER than your problems.”
How many of us would be like this woman, who knew what she wanted, she knew who had the authority to grant what she wanted and she never give up until it was accomplished? Being a widow meant that she was helpless and perhaps vulnerable because she had no one to fight her cause.
Relentless Prayer takes faith
The most important thing here is exercising faith in the righteous judge of all human life. This woman had faith in the unjust judge’s ability to give her justice. Where is your faith today? What do you have more confidence in? Relentless prayer builds relentless faith. Faith that does not know how or when to quit. Faith that remains unshakable and immovable under any circumstance. Faith that is rooted and grounded in the Word of God as its final authority.
Jesus said, when he returns will he find faith on the earth? Will he find faith in you and me? It doesn’t matter what changes occur in the world around us, what matters is, will we choose to always pray and not give up on what God is able to do? The point is, keep praying until you see the answer and beyond. God will not disappoint a prayer-er. God will show up if you refuse to quit believing.
Relentless prayer will give birth to incredible results
God does not lie. Numbers (23:19)”God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Psalm (105:8-9) He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. Well meaning people have defaulted on many promises and obligations, they intended to keep, but God has absolutely nothing stopping him from keeping true to his word. Abraham received his promise because he refused to waver through unbelief, but was strengthen in his faith.
Challenge yourself this year that your faith will persevere in prayer as you become relentless in prayer.
Advancing the kingdom of God.