Never Give Up
by Tanya Person
I have been thinking a lot lately about the importance of persistence in prayer. It is not easy to do when it seems like our prayers are not being answered. But in Luke 18:1-8, Jesus told his disciples this parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up.
In the parable, the unjust judge finally gives the woman justice because of her persistence. Jesus finishes in verses 7-8 with, “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?”
It struck me that faith comes when we persevere in prayer. As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” We were praying recently for healing for a friend who was dying. Many of us had faith that God was going to heal her here on earth, but instead, He took her home to heaven.
This kind of result can make us waver. Do we really have faith? Did we not hear God? Was it our wishful thinking? It can also make us want to stop praying for healing. But I believe God wants us to keep on persevering in prayer, even when we don’t see the answers. This is how our faith grows.
Maybe you have also been struggling in this area. May I encourage you today with the verse from Hebrews 4:16, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
You may want to join me in the following prayer.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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