Author: Cheryl Zelenka
The Bible is full of scriptures encouraging believers to be tireless in prayer. It is God’s will that we seek Him out. We should be devoted, persistent, and steady in our prayer life. Our communication with God should not only be daily but continuous throughout the day.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Although God hears every prayer and enjoys our fellowship during intercession, prayer requests are not always answered within our timeframe. We should not assume God has turned a deaf ear to our petition if pleas are not answered immediately. Our requests might not be aligned with God’s will or sin might be tainting our appeal. Even Habakkuk expressed frustration and impatience over God’s delay in answering a prayer request.
“O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” Habakkuk 1:2
God sees beyond our present circumstances. He brings events into play that we do not know about in order to fulfill His purpose and obtain well-deserved glory. Learning to “wait on the Lord” develops patience, a valuable component of the fruit of the spirit.
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36
God hears every prayer, so patiently seek Him out but wait on His timing to fulfill a personal request. Be on guard for any attempt from the enemy to instill doubt and discouragement. Wearing the spiritual armor of Christ will help ward off his fiery darts of lies and deception. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.”Psalm 40:1
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
Additionally, we are to endure. This means we must weather each storm and discomfort by waiting. The testing of our faith produces steadfastness, which works to give us greater strength.
PERSISTENCE is also rewarded. Christ shared the parable of the persistent widow (found in Luke 18) so that we would not lose heart when prayer needs remain unmet. We are not punished for reminding God of our shortcomings or reiterating our requests for help. He wants us to rely on Him for everything. When a situation appears hopeless, God acts so that we know He provided the answer.
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8
With persistence, we find our way through adversity and finish our spiritual race. Google defines persistence as “a firm continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.” Life in this world requires stamina and grit. Thanks to Christ we are
“…. more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
Endure, be persistent in prayer, wait patiently for the Lord to act, and never cease to give Him thanks and praise.
Meditate on the following scriptures and ask God to speak to you about your prayer life.
“Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You.” Psalm 88:1
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
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