INTRODUCTION
Imagine you’re knocking on a door, and you know that behind it is everything you need—provision, healing, justice, peace. Yet, no matter how hard you knock, the door doesn’t open immediately. How long would you keep knocking? How persistent would you be? Many of us might give up too soon, thinking that our efforts are in vain. But what if I told you that Jesus Himself taught us to keep knocking, to never give up?
Have you ever felt like your prayers were going unheard or unanswered? Many of us have experienced times when we’ve prayed fervently for something, only to feel like nothing is happening. But Jesus teaches us through the parable of the persistent widow that we should always pray and never give up.
SERMON TEXT
Luke 18:1-8
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, “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!” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”’
THREE WAYS TO NOT GIVE UP IN PRAYER :
I.The Importance of Persistence:
In this parable, Jesus highlights the widow’s persistence in seeking justice. Despite the judge’s initial refusal, she continues to plead her case. Her perseverance eventually leads to the judge granting her request. Jesus uses this story to encourage us to be persistent in our prayers. Persistence demonstrates our faith and trust in God’s timing and wisdom.
II.Trusting in God’s Justice:
The unjust judge in the parable eventually gives in to the widow’s pleas, not out of compassion, but because of her persistence. Jesus contrasts this with our loving and just God, who is eager to respond to His children’s prayers. We can trust that God hears our cries and will bring about justice and answers in His perfect timing.
III. Faith and Patience in Prayer:
Jesus concludes the parable by asking if He will find faith on the earth when He returns. Persistent prayer requires faith—faith that God is good, that He hears us, and that His answers are best for us. It also requires patience, as God’s timing often differs from ours. Waiting on the Lord is a testament to our faith in His plan.
APPLICATION:
1. Keep Praying: No matter how long it takes, continue to bring your requests to God. Persistence in prayer is a sign of faith.
2. Trust in God’s Timing: Believe that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations.
3. Strengthen Your Faith: Use persistent prayer to deepen your faith and reliance on God. Remember, His answers are always for our ultimate good.
CONCLUSION:
As we wrap up, let’s remember the lesson of the persistent widow. Jesus encourages us to always pray and not give up. Let’s be persistent in our prayers, trusting that our loving Father hears us and will respond in His perfect time.
Starting Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the importance of persistence in prayer. Help us to be faithful in our prayer life, trusting in Your timing and Your will. Strengthen our faith and patience as we wait for Your answers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.