The Parable of The Persistent Widow

Introduction

Luke 18:1–8

1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3 “There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ 4 “For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8 “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

I. The Necessity of Persistent Prayer

The widow persisted until she got justice for her husband.

A. Encouraged to pray without losing heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray without ceasing;”

doesn’t mean to be praying all day everyday (although we should be in constant communication with God) praying without giving up!

B. Persistence in prayer as a demonstration of faith.

James 1:6 - "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

II. How does God respond to faith filled prayer?

A. God is near to those who persist in prayer.

Psalm 145:18 - "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth."

B. God is not like the unjust judge, he will respond and deliver you.

Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.”

WHY DOES GOD SEEM TO DELAY IN ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS:

Delays can be a means of testing and strengthening our faith, patience, and perseverance.

Sometimes, what we ask for may not align with God’s will or plan for our lives.

Delays might be a period of preparation where God is making us ready for what is to come or setting up circumstances so that when the prayer is answered, it is more beneficial or meaningful.

Sometimes God uses delays to set the stage for His glory to be displayed more profoundly.

C. Faith is the key to moving the hand of God.

Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”

III.God’s timing is never late.

A. Trust the process of waiting on God.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time."

God will make your situation beautiful at the right time. Just hold on.

B. Sometimes it seems like God in on delay, but he’s teaching you to endure and to utterly depend on Him.

Hebrews 10:36 - "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."

IV. The Challenge of Faith at Christ’s Return

A. Will Christ find persistent faith on earth?

If Christ came today, would he find you with persistent faith?

8 “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

B. The call to be steadfast in faith and prayer as we await His coming.