“…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” Rom12.12 NKJV
Yesterday, a young student entered class and immediately asked if she and a friend could miss class that day, to attend volley ball training. It is my policy to deny such request the first part of the week and to lighten up on Fridays. I told her no and explained that we were viewing a movie for class discussion, they had not seen the movie and I wanted them present. To shorten the account, every five minutes this precious girl would walk up and politely renew her request, offering yet another creative reason why I should grant it. On her fifth attempt, some of the students began to chuckle. I smiled and explained that because she was so persistent and polite I would grant her request.
There is a parable told by Christ about a persistent widow, who day after day kept presenting her case to an unjust judge until he finally gave her justice. This story certainly came to mind yesterday, when I finally gave in to the young girls request. Jesus has told us that at least one facet of answered prayer is persistence. “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Lk18).
Having said this, we should never believe that God will give in to an unjust request, no matter how long we pray and pester Him for it. But persistence in good things has its rewards.
If granted a hearing before God, what would you ask of Him. What concerns weigh your heart? We of course, have this access and that, because of Christ. I wonder at times if we really believe this. God is on His throne, patiently waiting to listen. O God of mercy and grace, grant that we live before you, steadfast in prayer. Let us be as Jacob, refusing to let go of your robes, until you bless us. 5/3/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
