DO NOT LOSE HEART!
LUKE 18:1-5
1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times
they ought to pray and not lose heart,
2 saying, ìThere was a certain judge who did not fear God, and
did not respect man.
3 And there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him,
Saying, `Give me legal protection from my opponent.í
4 and for a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to
Himself, `Even though I do not fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this woman bothers me, I will give her legal
Protection, lest by continually coming she wear me out.íî
I realize that this is just a parable and that Jesus used these during His time here on this plane, that it is just a story but it is a story that has a pertinent message for the believer today, and not only believers but anybody that has a need. Have you †ever been to someone for assistance and got turned down or didnít get on the spot action?† I know that for me there were many times that someone would not give me a chance to speak or would shut me out about something in my life. I wonder how it would have turned out if I had followed this womanís actions.
She knew what she wanted and what she felt she needed and she was not going to leave without the judge taking action. Stay the course, carry on, donít give up, push forward, lean in and donít lose heart.
LUKE 18:6 & 7
6 And the Lord said, ìHear what the unrighteous judge *said;
7 now shall not God bring about justice for His Elect, who
Cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?î
Is it important to you? Is it worth the trouble of giving up some of your precious time to Pray for it with all your fervor? In John 17 we are able to look into the Prayer that Jesus prayed that brought about†sweat as thick as blood
(Luke 22:44)
And being in agony He was praying very fervently;
And His sweat became as drops of blood, falling
Down upon the ground.
Face it, our time is so precious that we canít pray longer than 5 minutes (if that long) let alone day and night. I remember the story of Job, and how he woke up early every morning and offered sacrifices and prayers up for all his children, saying,
JOB 1:5b
Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.î
Our children, grandchildren, Brothers, Sisters and other Family and Friends, is there anyone or anything worthy of sacrificial prayers? Pray for these. Prayers change things when done right.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
SAY THIS PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I ask You to teach me how to Pray
In the manner of Job and Jesus Christ. Help me to stand
My ground before You and men in the desires that
I may pray over. I ask for You guidance in this matter.
And I give You Praise and Thanks in the Name of
Jesus Christ
AMEN.
Pastor Larry Pinkerton