Be Persistent

Today's Verse:

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. ~Luke 11:8

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Persistence is the determination to stay at something until the deed or event is accomplished. We typically think of long-distance runners who, in spite of pain, weariness, and fatigue, keep running in order to complete their race. Spurgeon said, “By perseverance, the snail made it to the ark.” Persistence is a mark of courage, commitment, and a can-do attitude. Persistent people get things done. Persistent people tend to be high achievers. It is a “don’t quit” attitude. This morning, we are considering the importance of persistence, or importunity, in our praying.

We see an unexpected problem.

Jesus uses a story to teach us about persistence. A man is awakened late at night by the unexpected arrival of a good friend. He is happy to see this friend. However, with this unexpected visit is an unexpected problem. He has no food to set before his visitor. Eastern hospitality mandated having food to care for visitors who came to your home. Many times, we are moved to prayer by problems we did not expect to occur. We are beset with urgency in our lives when an unexpected problem occurs.

We see an unavailable provision.

This homeowner was lacking in vital resources to care for his friend. When we come to God in prayer, we realize that we cannot solve our problem. We realize that we are lacking in ability and resources. We go to a source higher than us for help: that’s God! This homeowner knew his neighbor had food, and so he went to his neighbor and asked for help. He went to where he knew there was provision. God is never lacking in provision or resources!

We see an unwanted pressure.

The man in need went to his neighbor at midnight to ask for three loaves of bread. His neighbor told him that he is in bed and did not want to be bothered. The man in need was feeling pressure that he did not ask for. He realized that it will take effort and persistence to persuade his neighbor to help him. We must remember that praying to God is not like putting a card into an ATM machine and waiting for cash to come out. We have to be persistent and keep asking God for help. The greater the pressure, the greater and more urgent our praying should be.

We see an unwavering presence.

The man in need was determined to keep knocking on the door of his neighbor and asking him for bread. He knew his neighbor had the bread. There were no stores open at that time. He needed that bread and he needed it right then and there. Persistent praying is unwavering. You stay in God’s presence. You keep asking, knocking, and seeking. You frequent the prayer closet in order for the Most High to intervene.

We see an understandable principle.

This story teaches a principle on how to get our prayers answered. God places circumstances in our lives that cause fear, apprehension, and panic to many of us. Without this pressure, we will never learn how to pray for the desired results. Don’t quit in your praying! Keep praying and asking God for His help and intervention. Keep asking and knocking. Remember, God is our heavenly Father Who delights in hearing our prayers. When you pray, just say, “I insist!”

Have a persistent God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 32-35

#Luke #Importunity #Persistence #Prayer