He also spoke a
parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up.
Many people get discouraged in praying because they don't get an answer
straight away. First, know this, that God always hears our prayers when they are
sincere, and that He will always send an answer although it may not always be
the answer we are hoping for. He never despises nor disregards the cry of one of
His children; but sometimes for wise reasons He delays His answer. Perhaps it's
not the right time. God's plans are far-reaching and He works slowly -- not
because God is slow, but because everything has its own time. Look at Joseph in
Egypt - a slave, then a prisoner. No doubt he was praying every day for release;
and he may have thought at times that the answer was a long time coming. But
when it came, he could see that one reason for delay was that all things might
be first set in place. It took years to prepare the answer that came at last
with such blessing.
Sometimes the reason for God's delay may be to draw out our faith and to increase our need of Him. The story of the Syrophenician woman illustrates this (Matthew 15:21-28). At first Jesus “answered her not a word;” but it was for her sake that He kept her waiting. She received a far better answer at last than she could have received at first. Suppose she had “fainted” after her first apparent rejection, think what she would have lost.
No doubt thousands of prayers are never answered because men give-up when God delays. Perhaps you too have lost hope before the answer came. A little longer patient perseverance would have brought you a great reward. After spending thousands of dollars in drilling for oil, the operator became discouraged and sold the land for a bargain. The new owner started the drill, and in six hours found a flowing well. We see what “fainting” cost the first owner. Many Christians lose heart just when the answer is about to be given.
Sometimes the reason for God's delay may be to draw out our faith and to increase our need of Him. The story of the Syrophenician woman illustrates this (Matthew 15:21-28). At first Jesus “answered her not a word;” but it was for her sake that He kept her waiting. She received a far better answer at last than she could have received at first. Suppose she had “fainted” after her first apparent rejection, think what she would have lost.
No doubt thousands of prayers are never answered because men give-up when God delays. Perhaps you too have lost hope before the answer came. A little longer patient perseverance would have brought you a great reward. After spending thousands of dollars in drilling for oil, the operator became discouraged and sold the land for a bargain. The new owner started the drill, and in six hours found a flowing well. We see what “fainting” cost the first owner. Many Christians lose heart just when the answer is about to be given.
Today... The lesson today is "Don't
give up!". Keep praying faithfully, believing that God will come through for you
at the right time.
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