Why Do You Keep Showing Up?

Prayer

Protocol

Attention Grabber:  Arnold Schwarzenegger, the renowned bodybuilder and actor, once shared a powerful insight about his workout routine.

He said he did his pushups until he couldn't feel his arms anymore, and that's when he started counting.

This beautifully illustrates the essence of faith - a deep-rooted KNOWING that propels you forward, even when your physical senses tell you to stop.

Faith, in its truest form, is not just a belief but an unwavering commitment.

It's the inner voice that whispers "keep going" when every fiber of your being screams "give up".

It's the invisible force that pushes you beyond your perceived limits, transforming the impossible into the achievable.

Faith doesn't just remind you to persevere; it fundamentally alters your perception of reality.

It allows you to see beyond current circumstances, beyond feelings of inadequacy or fear.

Faith is the lens through which you view the world, transforming obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into setups for comebacks.

Text: Luke 18:1- 8

Luke 18:1-8 (KJV):

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Thesis: Why Do You Keep Showing Up?

Qualifying Statement:

In a world that often disappoints, the act of consistently showing up has become increasingly challenging.

Many find themselves grappling with the decision to invest in relationships, causes, or commitments that offer little in return.

Despite facing indifference, disregard, or even contempt, some individuals continue to show up day after day, month after month, year after year.

This persistence raises a crucial question:

Why do you keep showing up?

What drives a person to persist in the face of consistent letdowns?

Whether it's a spouse supporting a partner battling addiction, or an employee pouring effort into an unappreciative workplace, the challenge lies not just in showing up but in maintaining the quality of that presence.

This is the question I found myself asking when I read the text of our focus this morning

Setting & Background Info: (context about the widow and her plight)

In this parable, Jesus paints a vivid picture of a society where justice was often elusive, especially for the vulnerable.

The widow, mentioned only in Luke's gospel, represents one of the most marginalized groups in ancient society.

Without a husband to advocate for her, she was left to fend for herself in a world that often overlooked the needs of those without power or influence.

The judge in this story holds a position of authority, much like the employers, politicians, and leaders of our time.

Just as this widow's relief was solely in the hands of this indifferent judge, we often find our access to opportunities, justice, and elevation dependent on those in positions of power. This reality can be frustrating and disheartening, much like it must have been for the widow.

Jesus' choice of this particular scenario is deliberate and profound. He's not just teaching about the importance of persistent prayer; He's challenging our understanding of what prayer truly means.

Prayer, in this context, isn't merely about communion with God or finding inner peace. It's a call to action, a divine positioning that prepares us to confront the very things we might prefer to avoid.

God uses this parable to reveal a deeper truth:

He wants to see if we will keep showing up.

Will we, like the widow, persist in the face of indifference or rejection?

Will we continue to advocate for what is right, even when it seems futile?

This persistence isn't just about getting what we want; it's about developing a character that reflects God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness.

By drawing this parallel between the widow's persistence and our prayer life, Jesus is teaching us that true faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. It's not enough to simply pray and wait passively.

We are called to pray and act, to keep showing up in the face of adversity, trusting that our persistence is not in vain but is, in fact, a powerful testimony of our faith in God's ultimate justice and provision.

Body Point 1: The Widow's Unyielding Determination – A Testament to Audacious Faith

Imagine the widow's daily struggle. She opens her eyes each morning, feeling sad and tired.

Life is hard for her.

Maybe she doesn't have enough food.

Maybe people are mean to her because she's different.

Or maybe she misses her husband who's no longer with her.

It feels like too much to handle sometimes.

As she gets out of bed, her body hurts.

She looks in an old mirror and sees how worry has changed her face.

For a moment, she wants to give up and stay in bed.

It would be easier to hide from all the problems.

But something inside her won't let her quit.

A tiny bit of hope is still there.

She takes a deep breath and stands up straight.

She fixes her old shawl and walks out of her small house.

She heads to the judge's office again, just like she does every day.

With each step, she feels stronger. Maybe today, she thinks, the judge will finally listen.

Picture the scene: She stands before the imposing figure of the judge, her voice trembling but determined.

"Avenge me of mine adversary," she pleads.

The judge barely glances her way, his indifference a palpable force.

But she doesn't waver. Day after day, week after week, she returns.

She endures the stares, the whispers, the mockery of those who think her foolish for persisting.

This relentless pursuit wasn't mere stubbornness.

It was a reflection of her audacious faith, a belief that even against overwhelming odds, her voice mattered.

Now before you judge this widow and say she should’ve quit

A church volunteer who, despite feeling overlooked for leadership roles and sometimes sensing cliques forming, continues to serve faithfully every week, trusting that their dedication matters to God and the community

Now before you judge this widow

An employee who, after being passed over for promotions multiple times, still arrives early, contributes innovative ideas in meetings, and mentors new colleagues, believing their work ethic and positive attitude will eventually be recognized

Now before you judge this widow

A spouse in a strained marriage who, despite feeling emotionally distant from their partner, continues to initiate date nights, leave loving notes, and attend couples therapy, holding onto hope for rekindled intimacy and understanding

Now before you judge this widow

A recovering alcoholic who, after a relapse that disappointed their family, musters the courage to return to AA meetings, face their sponsor, and recommit to sobriety, one day at a time

Now before you judge this widow

A small business owner who, facing declining sales and mounting debts, still opens their shop each morning with a smile, greets customers warmly, and brainstorms new marketing strategies late into the night

I beleive the reason you keep showing up is because you heard the word of Paul

Galatians 6:9 KJV 1900

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

This is because you understand

that prayer is not limited to the closet

My prayer is answered through faith

Subpoint 2: Faith as a Verb:

Faith isn't a passive feeling; it's an active pursuit.

The widow's actions demonstrated her faith.

She didn't just hope for justice; she demanded it.

Do we just seek God, or do we also act on our faith?

Her persistent appeals to the judge were a form of prayer in action.

James 2:17 reminds us, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

The widow's story challenges us to examine our own faith.

Are we merely believing, or are we actively pursuing God's promises in our lives?

Subpoint 3: The Power of a Single Voice:

In an age where injustices seem rampant and individual voices feel insignificant, the widow's story reminds us that even one person, armed with unwavering faith, can make a difference.

This echoes the biblical narrative of David facing Goliath, reminding us that God often uses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes.

Transition: As we move from the widow's persistence to the judge's silence, we see a shift in perspective.

While the widow's actions teach us about the nature of faith, the judge's response reveals important truths about God's character and timing.

Body Point 2: The Silence of the Judge – Can God Trust You to Show Up?

Subpoint 1: Delayed Answers, Not Denied Answers:

The judge's initial silence wasn't a denial of the widow's request; it was a test of her resolve.

God may not always answer immediately, but He always answers.

This mirrors the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel, who prayed fervently for a child.

Her persistence in prayer, despite initial silence, eventually led to the birth of Samuel.

These stories remind us that God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our expectations.

Subpoint 2: Satan's Strategy of Doubt:

When answers are delayed, Satan seizes the opportunity to plant seeds of doubt.

"Is God really listening?"

"Does He even care?"

"Is this really worth the effort?" "Maybe you're just not good enough."

Satan employs various tactics to sow doubt in believers' lives, often using very specific situations:

Negative interactions: A fellow church member criticizes your teaching style after you've spent hours preparing a Sunday school lesson, making you question your ability to serve.

Unanswered prayers: After praying daily for your child's recovery from a serious illness for months with no improvement, you start to wonder if God is listening.

Personal setbacks: Losing your job right after buying a new home, leaving you unable to make mortgage payments, causing you to doubt God's provision.

Comparison: Seeing your colleague get promoted while you're passed over, despite your prayers for career advancement, leading you to question God's fairness.

Intellectual challenges: Reading a compelling scientific article that seems to contradict the creation story making you doubt the Bible's accuracy.

Moral failures: Discovering that your respected pastor has been involved in a financial scandal, shaking your trust in church leadership and teachings.

Tragedy and suffering: Losing a loved one in a sudden accident leaving you struggling to reconcile the idea of a loving God with such unexpected pain.

These obstacles, strategically placed by the enemy, aim to erode faith and separate believers from their trust in God by targeting personal vulnerabilities and experiences.

But true faith perseveres through the silence.

We see this strategy at work in Job's story, where his friends and even his wife encouraged him to curse God.

Yet, Job's unwavering faith serves as an inspiration for us to trust God even in the darkest times.

Subpoint 3: The Currency of Trust:

God isn't looking for perfect people; He's looking for faithful people.

Can He trust you to keep showing up, even when the answers seem distant?

This echoes Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Our persistence in faith is a testament to our trust in God's character and promises.

Comparison: Seeing your colleague get promoted while you're passed over, despite your prayers for career advancement, leads you to question God's fairness.

Body Point 3: God Sees Even When He's Silent – The Value of Actionable Faith

Subpoint 1: Types of Faith Jesus Encountered:

Desperate Faith: Exemplified by the bleeding woman who touched Jesus' garment (Mark 5:25-34).

This faith arose from deep need and desperation, pushing past social barriers to reach Jesus.

Intellectual Faith: Demonstrated by the centurion who understood Jesus' authority (Matthew 8:5-13).

This faith was grounded in a logical understanding of spiritual authority and power.

Grateful Faith: Displayed by the one leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11-19).

This faith recognized the source of healing and responded with heartfelt gratitude.

While Jesus acknowledged all these expressions of faith, He consistently valued and praised actionable faith - faith that compelled people to take bold, tangible steps to pursue His power and promises.

The reason why

he tells the disciples

you’ve got to have actionable faith

When you are faithful to the work of the Lord, He will put your name in rooms you were never meant to be

Psalm 75:6-7 "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."

Subpoint 2: Working While Waiting:

Waiting on God doesn't mean passivity.

It's an opportunity to prepare, to grow, to refine our purpose.

The widow didn't just wait for the judge; she kept advocating for her cause.

This mirrors the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where the servants were expected to be productive with what they were given while the master was away.

How are we using our time of waiting to grow in faith and service?

It's an opportunity to prepare, to grow, to refine our purpose.

The widow didn't just wait for the judge; she kept advocating for her cause.

This active waiting aligns with Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, knowing that from the Lord you will receive an inheritance as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Jesus persisted against satan with the word

We answer doubt with the Bible

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."(Matthew 4:4, KJV)

"Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4:10, KJV)

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, KJV)

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1, KJV)

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn." (Isaiah 54:17, KJV)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13, KJV)

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4, KJV)

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31, KJV)

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Deuteronomy 31:6, KJV)

Subpoint 3: The Assurance of God's Gaze:

Even in our darkest moments, even when God seems silent, He sees us.

This truth is beautifully captured in

Psalm 139:7–12 KJV 1900

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; Even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Why Do You Keep Showing Up?

Luke 18:8 KJV 1900

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

God is faithful

Great is Thy faithfulness

Faith: The core belief and trust in God

Full: Completely filled with that belief, leaving no room for doubt

Ness: The state or quality of being, indicating that faith has become an integral part of one's character

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars in their courses aboveJoin with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

He's been faithful

Yes

He’s so faithful

That he died

Conclusion:

Recap: We keep showing up because persistence reflects our unwavering faith, our trust in God's timing, and our refusal to let doubt silence our hope. Like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, we are called to persevere, even when the fulfillment of God's promises seems distant.

Challenge: In a world that often tells us to give up, to settle, to accept injustice, let's be like the persistent widow. Let's keep showing up, keep praying, keep believing, and keep acting. As James 1:12 encourages us, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Call to Action: Don't let delayed answers or the silence of the world discourage you. God sees you, He hears you, and He's working on your behalf. Keep showing up! Let your faith be active, persistent, and transformative, not just for your own life, but as a testament to God's faithfulness in a watching world.

Unique Approach:

Focus on Actionable Faith: Emphasize that faith isn't just a belief; it's a catalyst for action. Challenge the congregation to identify one area in their lives where they can demonstrate actionable faith this week.

Relate to Current Events: Draw parallels between the widow's persistence and the fight for justice and equality in today's world. Discuss how Christians can be at the forefront of positive change, persistently advocating for justice and righteousness in their communities.

Challenge the Notion of "Spiritual Bypassing": Address the tendency to use spirituality to avoid difficult emotions or situations. True faith confronts reality head-on. Encourage honest conversations about doubt, disappointment, and the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult times.

This expanded outline provides a framework for a sermon that is both spiritually deep and relevant to the challenges of our time. It encourages listeners to embrace persistence, reject doubt, and trust in God's unwavering love and faithfulness. By interweaving biblical examples, personal application, and contemporary relevance, this message aims to inspire a faith that is active, enduring, and transformative in the face of life's challenges.