Jon Wallace, the President of Azusa Pacific University, was the guest speaker at Glenkirk. His message was from Luke 18:1-8, which is the parable of the persistent widow. This parable tells the story of a judge who does not fear God or care about men. There is a widow who keeps bothering him about getting justice. This judge could care less about the widow, but because she keeps at him and is persistent, he finally gives in just to stop her from coming around.
Jesus told this parable to the disciples because he wanted them to understand that even though God is our judge, He is a loving God and He listens to our persistent prayers and will answer them. If a judge, such as the one in the story, who has a hardened heart toward people, could finally give in to a lowly widow woman, then imagine what our loving God and judge wants to do for us! He wants to hear from us, and for us to be persistent on what is important.
In his sermon, Jon Wallace asked what has fallen off our prayer list because we were afraid that God will not answer it to our liking? Have we taken something off of our list because we feel it is impossible, or it has been too long and there is no answer? Where do I fit into God's plan when there are millions of people out there with needs, most greater than mine? I realized that one of the prayer requests I had dropped off of my list, was my own prayer for me. I feel quite confident that there are hundreds praying for me, and I see God at work every time I turn around. God wants me to be persistent about my own health and healing. I need to bother Him every day so that He will finally give in to my request.
Psalm 34
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.
It is a challenge for us to keep trusting in God and putting our requests in His hands. We really want to take control so that we can see results quicker. The problem with fast results is that sometimes we are missing out on a better plan designed by God that took a little more time and patience than we were willing to give. We need to pray for what is important, be in a relationship with God and know what His will is for us, and then trust that He will answer. Above all, we need to be persistent in the things that are truly most important to us.
Ask God for help, and then praise and thank Him for being on your side!
Blessings,
Sandy
