Luke 18:1 (NKJV)
Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them (His disciples), that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Have you ever prayed for something that you had already predetermined would never come to fruition? I have done so. This seems like a waste of time, does it not? We are instructed in James 1:6 to believe and not doubt when we ask for something. James continues in 1:7-8 by saying that the doubter should not expect to receive anything from the Lord; that they are double-minded and unstable in all that they do.
This is a matter of faith. If we do not believe the Lord can do what we have asked Him, we truly are wasting our time praying about whatever our need happens to be. God is capable of anything and He desires that we have faith in knowing this. He is pleased with our faith because this leads to total dependence on Him and a life of obedience which He cherishes in His children.
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shares a parable about a persistent widow. The story begins that in a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God or regard man. A widow came to him one day asking for justice from her adversary. The story does not describe her specific reason for wanting justice. For a while this judge did nothing. Apparently, the persistent widow asked for justice more than once. She did not give up. The widow did not lose heart. Are you contemplating giving up right now on a prayer request? Are you at the point where you are starting to believe God cannot, or will not, help you? Don’t give up yet! Please continue reading.
The judge confesses that he does not fear God or regard man, yet he concludes he will vindicate the widow, not because he cares for her, but because she is becoming a nuisance and he is growing weary. For very selfish reasons the judge finally took action. This parable concludes with the idea that if an unjust judge will meet the need of the widow, certainly The Judge shall do the same, if not more. Luke 18:7 (NKJV) supports this as Jesus says, “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?”
I encourage you today to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). I would also request that you invite others to pray for you. Most would be honored to do so. As you become a person of prayer, continue earnestly in prayer (Col. 4:2). If God cares for the birds of the air (Matt. 6:26), most assuredly He will provide for your need according to His will.
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
My wife and I continue to pray for the safe, sound and soon return of our son. He has been away from home since March. The last word we had, he was homeless, living in Barstow, California. I know God is faithful. He will bring Ben home.
Amen. From your mouth to God’s ears!!
I agree with you in prayer for that outcome too. Let it be according to your word.
Praying with you and Vivian for Ben’s safe return home. Be encouraged.
Amen Mike! This is so very true 🙏
AMEN
Thanks for the encouraging Word! My prayer life ebbs and flows. Would that I will be more faithful in this part of my Christian walk moving forward. Thankfully, Godis patient and long suffering.
Thank you Michael for using this article to encourage me. I struggle with my faith. I believe that God is faithful because I can look back at my life and see so many answered prayers. For some reason, I read the word, I believe , then when situation arise, I tend to let fear instead of faith. I thank God that He will never give up on me. I know I will get it right. Amen.
Hi Beatrice. I believe all of us struggle with our faith. You are not alone. The silver lining is that, ironically, it draws us closer to God. There is a saying that goes, “Fear knocked on the door, faith answered, and no one was there.”