Pam Padgett ... teacher
Jesus spoke a parable showing us to pray without giving up, trusting in God and depending on Him to help us ...
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable
unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither
regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto
him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a
while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor
regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her,
lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear
what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own
elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Although we have many promises that God will help
us when we turn to Him (such as what Jesus taught with this parable),
and we have many examples and personal experiences of this, thoughts also come to lead away from turning to God in prayer,
and continuing to turn to Him, with each problem.
If we don't receive an answer immediately, thoughts often come that
God won't answer us. These thoughts try to keep us from continuing to turn to God and pouring
out our hearts to Him about the problem, trusting in faith that God will
answer us according to HIS will, and that HIS will and timing is the best way for us.
Thoughts may come that a problem is too small to take to God, trying to keep us from taking each matter to God.
We may feel pressure to resolve a problem and think we don't have time
to pray and wait for God to answer us (although God knows exactly what
we need and when).
Jesus exhorts us to pray always, about each matter, and trust God to help us according to HIS will, continuing to pray until God answers our prayer in some way.
We also are given the example of the blind man who heard that Jesus was
passing by and cried out to Him. Although those around tried to get him
to stop, he continued crying out to Jesus. He didn't allow anything to
discourage or stop him from calling out to Jesus. Jesus stopped and
had the man brought to Him and healed him ...
Luke 18:35 And it came to pass,
that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the
way side begging: 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it
meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And
he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And
they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but
he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And
Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was
come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto
thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said
unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And
immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and
all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
A few promises we have about God answering our prayers are ...
Psalm 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.