Seeking God

Luke 18: 1 - 8, 'Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'  And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'  The the Lord said, 'Hear what the unjust judge said.  And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?  I tell that He will avenge them speedily.  Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith upon the earth?'

What a powerful story this is!  Jesus links this illustration of a pestering woman with persistence in prayer.  In other words, faith that is expressed in prayer is usually soaked in persistence, so if you are not persistent in asking God through prayer...will He be able to find your faith?

Take a look at what this woman went through, day after day, week after week, etc., having to enter into the court - pay whatever court fees that were necessary to gain an audience with the judge, and have the same request denied over and over!!  It didn't stop her from coming...it literally drove this judge crazy - Jesus is telling you and I that our prayer life should mimic this illustration.  Understanding this truth, it does beg the question...is your prayer life this persistent?

I wonder, do we pray enough to get God's attention?  We all know that God doesn't respond to need, He responds to faith!  Hebrews 11: 6 - 'Now without faith it is impossible to please God...whoever comes to God must first believe that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.'

We live in a day and age where we desperately need an audience with God - are you willing to pay the price to speak to God?  Psalms 18: 6 - 'In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, to His very ears.'

Isn't that powerful?!  Our Holy Father is in heaven, surrounded by such a great host who are constantly worshiping Him saying, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!!'  We can only imagine the sound, the atmosphere, and yet David's prayer pierces all of this and makes it to God's ears!!  He prayed until He was heeded and answered!  What are you willing to do?

I'm telling you, the prayers of His saints are all the earth have left...pray people!!

- Pastor Melrose