Verses 1-3 A story about the need for persistent prayer. We should pray for strength against our spiritual enemies, discernment of the corruption in our own hearts, as well as deliverance for God’s people under persecution, and the lost people oppressed by Satan’s schemes and lies.

There was a judge who had no fear for God and no respect for people. He didn’t care about his reputation. We cannot expect God where there is no fear of God.

A distressed and poor widow wanted justice against an adversary and restoration.

The Power of Persistence

Verses 4-5 The judge was unwilling to act in her favor. She was probably too insignificant for him to worry about. But the problem for him is that she wouldn’t give up. Despite his rejection in her case, the widow kept showing up and insisting he overrules his decision. He eventually caved to the woman’s request and gave her justice. Verse 5 says, “… this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!” He finally ruled in her favor against her opponent.

The key was her persistence that she had a right to justice.

Verses 6-8 Spiritually, we need persistent prayer in our lives! Will our Heavenly Father, our Judge, not grant justice to those who cry out to him day and night? If an unjust judge who doesn’t care about people or seeks God acts in favor of the persistent, won’t our holy God give justice to those who persevere in their prayers based on His Word? He will be gracious. Verse 8 says He will grant justice quickly!

Persist in Prayer

Faith is fervent. Persistent prayer moves heaven. It’s an intense conviction that God promises mercy to our pleas. We can’t change his mind, but we can petition for his compassion in our suffering or hurt. Urgently cry out for strength against our spiritual enemy and discernment of the corruptions in our hearts. Plead, like we believe He will hear our prayers for the deliverance of God’s people under persecution. Wrestle with God in persistent prayer for lost and oppressed people.

Give God no rest from your prayers.

Persist in pleading until your problems become His praise. (Isaiah 62:6, 7) Praise is the fruit of persistent prayers. 

No matter what obstacles get in the way. If our crowded hearts struggle to find the space, we must push through to pray. If we’re running low on time or if we’re out of words, we must diligently pause in our day to utter the moans and groans of the spirit.

Romans 8:26 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” Romans‬ ‭8:26-27‬ ‭NLT‬

Pursue mercy because God’s love for us never changes. The blessing of it is worth all our persevering energy. God will bear with us the disappointments and discouragements from unmet expectations and unanswered prayers. He is patient, even with our adversaries, and may not seek immediate vengeance.

Delayed mercy for us might be God’s patience with someone else.

This story is about a careless judge who has no relationship with the widow. We have a judge who knows us, loves us, delights in us, and is concerned about us. As his children, he encourages us to prevail in prayer and continually communicate with him. It is a privilege and honor to have that kind of relationship with the Almighty God.

We must learn what God’s Word says about life and then persevere in praying that Truth in the assurance that our God will act according to it.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NLT

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We will reap a harvest of blessings if we do not give up.

God always answers us according to His Word. Persistent prayer receives the answer even if it is “wait”. We shouldn’t challenge God on his promises or let our hearts grow hard in the stillness. When the pause surpasses our ideals, we must stay near Jesus in our despair.

Even delayed mercy will make good on God’s promises.

Keep passionately praying the Word of God with persistence over your life, your family’s lives, your neighborhood, community, our leaders and government officials, etc.

“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Faith grows in the extremes of life.

When we feel forsaken by our Father, faith keeps living with an expectation that He will do what He says He will do. (Isaiah 49:14, 40:27) Faith persistently prays like our lives depend on it. His promises are true and always on time.

Don’t wait for tomorrow when you can pray today.

Prayer

Abba Father, I praise and thank You for Your loving-kindness and great mercy that endures and is new every morning. It remains steadfast and sure to strengthen and hold me. Once I was lost, an outcast from the kingdom of heaven. Love showed me what perseverance looks like. You endured shame and pain going all the way to the cross on my behalf to close the gap between us and forgive my wicked ways. Help me die from my selfishness and the corruption in my heart, Jesus. Help me, Holy Spirit, persevere through the pain, distractions, and even when life is good. I want to endure life’s trials for the glory of your name.

Jesus, my Advocate, you make intercession for me in my distress with a powerful prevailing interest in heaven. You engage with me in my soliciting for relief, help, and blessings. Strengthen me in the attacks from my spiritual enemies. Arise, Lord, and plead with me for your own causes. You ask me to come boldly, and cry all hours of the day and night, Abba Father. You tell me to ask, and you give the promise of answering. My perseverance pleases you, Jesus. These persistent prayers bring you delight.

You care about your glory and the comfort of your children, especially the widows and fatherless. Righteous Father, as the saints of heaven, surround the throne of glory with their praises, so I surround the throne of grace with my prayers. When I grow weary of waiting, your Word assures me you will avenge your people. It’s tempting to give up, but help me go to great lengths to cling to your Truth in the extremes of life. I want to live with great expectations, even when life is going well, and it becomes even easier to backslide or to become lukewarm. When you return, Jesus, I pray you find my life as a beacon of faith shining, salting the earth, and persevering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.