Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 14, 2013
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” Luke 18:1-5
Has rejection caused you to give up on an opportunity or a person? Are you tired of trying to do the right thing, without experiencing positive results? It is precisely at this point of frustration and fear that God calls us to persevere in prayer and continue to graciously engage individuals and circumstances. Those who give up—give up on God.
Like an oscillating fan your faith may waver back and forth between confidence and uncertainty, so hit the button of belief and stay focused on the Lord. Go forward by faith to love an estranged relationship—call the company who went with a competitor and see how you might still serve them—reach out until your requests are not ignored anymore.
A faithful man or woman in the hands of God has the attention of heaven and earth. When you are on His assignment, rejection has to first go through Almighty God’s agenda. It’s not the individual full of energy at the outset who outlasts others, it’s the wise ones who conserve their vigor over the long haul—strengthened by their Savior’s stamina.
The fortitude of faith is what forges great relationships and gets long-term results. Anyone can start a race with excitement and anticipation, but few are the runners who climb the hills, overcome the adversity of the elements and finish the course. You may not be the fastest—you may not finish first—but by God’s grace you will finish well.
Most of all stay persistent in prayer. Respond to God as the violin responds to the bow of the master. The Lord makes beautiful music on the strings of a life surrendered to Him. Persist through the pain of rejection and to the pressures of responsibility—all the while remaining in an attitude of prayer. Persistent prayer to Jesus produces His best outcome. Persistence pays off when you are prepared to move forward on behalf of your Master.
“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).
Prayer: What relationship or opportunity calls for my focused attention and persistence?
Related Readings: Numbers 14:38; Daniel 6:10; Acts 20:22-25; Romans 2:7
Post/Tweet today: Fortitude of faith is what forges great relationships and gets long-term results. #persistencepaysoff
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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I whole-heartedly DISAGREE! I have been asking for a wife for 23yrs! Not gotten one yet….I’m tired of asking…no, begging! There comes a point when simple asking turns into begging….I’m tired….in fact, it’s the ONLY thing I’m more tired of besides being single! I quit asking because He isn’t going to do it…ever.
This word was so on time . I truly am going through some rejection issues with some people in my church family. I have to remain persistent in my prayer in regards to this situation and not give up and walk away . As you said giving up means I am giving up on God . Thank You !
Dear Kerry,
First of all, we are so thankful you are a fellow wisdom hunter. When I read your email, I could “feel” the frustration and hurt in your words. I am sorry this has been a challenging time for you as you have “waited on the Lord”. I admire your persistance and can only imagine the heartache of waiting 23 years.
But, Kerry, our Lord and Savior LOVES you so much and only wants the best for you. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.(Jer. 29:11) And we know through HIS PROMISES that His Timing is Perfect. “You say, I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly”.(Psalm 75:2). So, Kerry, I hope you find some comfort and peace in the One who Created you for His purposes. And during this time,I pray you will guard your heart against the evil one, because he will pounce on your discontentment and frustration and use it. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. (Proverb 4:23).
I rejoice in the fact, you know our Lord and that you are a praying man. Thank you for emailing us and I pray you will be blessed by His Word. Blessings to you, Kerry.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
Gwynne Maffett
Wisdom Hunters
Dear Debbie,
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter. Thank you for your email. We love to hear back from readers when a devotional “spoke to them” ~ or rather~ GOD spoke to them through one of the devotionals!.
And Debbie, thank you for your example of persistance in prayer. I hope things are resolved for you with your situation you mentioned. I rejoice in the fact you are praying for HIS discernment and wisdom.
Blessings to you and yours.
Belieivng and Trusting~
Gwynne
Gwynne Maffett
Wisdom Hunters