Drip, drip, drip. Did you ever have a leaky faucet? The one that persistently drips? It drives me crazy. Well I had the trifecta in our bathroom recently– the faucet in our sink, the faucet in our tub, and a running toilet. There is something about relentlessness that demands a response.
Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’
“He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’” Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them?” — Luke 18:1-7
We aren’t told what injustice took place but this woman was on a mission. Whatever it was she would not take no for an answer and the judge knew it. Her unrelenting persistence was the difference between right & wrong in her eyes so she kept after him.
There are defining moments in life when we need to prove to God that we mean business. In these times, He is looking at our intensity of prayer not our vocabulary. The bible is full of characters who were in similar circumstances of dire need, and I am joining them and standing with the widow, in one of these spots today;
- Zacheaus climbed a tree
- A paralytic was lowered through a roof
- Mary was willing to sacrifice a jar of perfume for her King
So how desperate are you right now for God to move in your situation? Whether it’s justice, provision or chasing your dream, God wants our persistence and passionate prayers which results in a powerful faith. I think He wants all of my heart to intensely breathe Him in fueling me to keep after him.
Reflection |
How would you rate the intensity of your conversations with Jesus lately?