Drawing Nearنموونە

BE ENCOURAGED!

If you are someone who has prayed before and did not see the answer to what you were believing for, I am sure that you have experienced discouragement. Many will pray, believe, draw near to God continually, and at times wait for an answer from God. During those seasons, it may seem like God isn’t listening or wanting to answer.

Jesus knew this would be the tendency at times when we pray, so He so lovingly taught a parable for not getting discouraged and to continue to draw near to Him in prayer.

To briefly explain what Jesus shared, there was a woman who was a widow. She had an adversary who had caused harm to her. So she went to a judge to get some help.

The problem was that this judge did not fear God nor did he respect or honor people. Knowing the culture during this time, he certainly would not care for a woman, let alone a widow. Jesus went on to explain that this widow would consistently go before the judge to ask for help, but to no avail.

Finally, the judge decided to help the widow. He did not help her because he had a change of heart for her or started to honor her. The judge finally helped her because he was sick and tired of her approaching him and asking him. In a sense, she wore him out. He did not want to see her or hear from her anymore, so he finally helped.

Many would say, “See, we need to come to God in prayer to be a pest, bribe Him, make Him feel sorry for us, and perhaps after He is sick of us, He will finally answer.” That couldn’t be further from the truth!

Jesus gave this parable, not as a comparison of what we are like to God as we pray, but He gave this parable as a contrast.

The good news is we are not like the widow. We are loved. We are children of God who are co-heirs with Christ. We are dearly loved by Him, He cares for us, and we are not alone. God is not an unjust judge who does not care for people. He is a loving, heavenly Father who is willing and ready to answer us and bless us as we trust in Him. God honors people, unlike the judge in the parable. Even when we were sinners, Christ died for us!

Jesus was teaching us that if a judge who did not honor God or care about people finally answered a widow’s request to help her because of her persistence, how much more is our heavenly Father ready to provide for us, strengthen us, heal us, and give us rest as we continually draw near to Him.

Be encouraged. The Lord loves you and has heard your prayers. He is ready to answer you and fill you with great joy as He does the miraculous in you, for you, and through you!

PRAYER

“Lord, I’m so thankful that as I draw near to you I do not come to an angry and disinterested judge, but a gentle, heavenly Father who loves me and has my best interest in mind. Your love, mercy, and grace toward me are life-changing!

I realize more than ever that praying to you is not begging you or manipulating you to try to get an answer, but it is getting close to you and freely receiving the blessings that you have already provided.

Hear my prayer today as I pour out my heart to you. I have concerns and needs in my life and pray for others I know and love. Help me to continue to believe and trust in your unchanging nature that is holy, loving, and good.

I continue to bring my requests to you and take hold of your promise that you are willing and ready to answer me. I thank you in advance for the answer you have given me.

I pray this in Jesus’ name, the name above all names. Amen.”