Always pray and never give up !

                                           

          

The text from Luke 18:1-8 is the Parable of the Unjust Judge and the Persistent Widow. In this parable, Jesus teaches about the importance of perseverance in prayer and trust that God, even though just, will answer the prayers of those who persist. The central lesson is that, just like the widow, we should keep seeking justice and divine help because God will always answer His chosen ones who cry out to Him.

Here are some lessons we can take from this text, based on persistence and trust:

1. Persistence in Prayer:

The widow in the parable kept going to the judge, even though he was indifferent to her needs. This shows that to achieve victory, we must not give up easily. Our prayer should be constant and persistent.

Key Verse:
Luke 18:1 - "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

This teaches us that we should pray consistently, without losing hope, even when the answers don't seem to come immediately.

2. God is Just and Responds to His Elect:

The judge, although unjust, granted the widow justice because of her persistence. If even a corrupt judge can administer justice because of persistence, how much more will God, who is just and good, respond to those who persist in prayer?

Key Verse:
Luke 18:7-8 - "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Here, we see that persistence in prayer is a demonstration of faith and trust in God, who will always bring justice to those who persevere.

3. God Values Perseverance:

The parable teaches us that, even when we don't see immediate results, God values our persistence. He challenges us to trust, wait, and continue crying out.

Key Verse:
Luke 18:5 - "Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me."

The widow persisted because she knew that by staying firm, she would receive justice. This illustrates how persistence in prayer is rewarded by God.

---

Examples of People Who Persisted with God and Were Victorious:

1. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20):
   Hannah was a woman who prayed fervently and persistently for a child. Even in the face of mockery and frustration, she continued praying. God blessed her with Samuel, who became a great prophet.

   Key Verse:
   1 Samuel 1:10-11 - "In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’"

2. Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30):
   Jacob wrestled with an angel throughout the night and did not give up until he received a blessing. His persistence in wrestling until he was blessed is a clear example of how God honors those who do not stop seeking His presence.

   Key Verse:
   Genesis 32:26 - "Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.' But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'"

3. The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28):
   This Canaanite woman, although initially ignored by Jesus, persisted in her faith and prayer until He responded. She demonstrated genuine faith and humility, and her persistence ultimately led to a great blessing for her daughter.

   Key Verse:
   Matthew 15:27-28 - "Yes, it is, Lord," she said, "even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table." Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed at that moment."

---

These examples and teachings highlight how God values persistence in faith and prayer. People who insist on God, as we see in the parable of the widow, are those who eventually experience victory. This encourages us not to give up, even when facing difficulties or delays in answers, because God, in His time, will answer with justice.