1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
In our verse for today Jesus emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer among His followers. We are not to become exasperated over our difficulties and vexations in life. We are not to be defeated in our spirits, discouraged, faint hearted or lose heart over our circumstances. We are to avoid anxious care and distracting thoughts in our hardships turning always our eyes towards the One who has overcome the world. Jesus tells us:
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
The writer of Hebrews adds these instructions:
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith , who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Heb 12:1-4 (NIV)
Difficulties are a given in this life. We should not be surprised when we experience them. Peter tells us:
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)
“Their fear set them a praying, and that was a good effect of it. God brings us into straits that He may bring us to our knees.” Matthew Henry
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
“It is the duty and interest of Christians to live without care. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, but there is a care of distrust which is our sin and folly.” Matthew Henry
“Worry is a form of atheism, for it betrays a lack of faith and trust in God.” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Whenever our spirits are burdened we must ease them with persistent prayer. James tells us:
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
We are also reminded by Paul in 1 Thessalonians to be consistent in our praying:
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
Here Paul stresses maintaining a continuous fellowship with our Lord as we walk along this path called life – turning over every worry that hinders and distracts us from our relationship with Him. When we continue to fret over circumstances we are placing our trust in our own abilities rather than in God’s all powerful hand. We must remember the glorious promise of Scripture that He causes all things (yes, all) to work for the good of those who love Him.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself. The same God who led you in will lead you out.” Robert J. Morgan
The prophet Isaiah tells us:
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways, when we must be desperate in prayer, when we must wrestle, when we must be outspoken, shameless and importunate. Many of the prayers recorded in Scripture are ‘cries,’ and the Hebrew and Greek words are very strong. Despite opinions to the contrary, the Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven- ‘praying through.’ The fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in its working.” Cameron Thompson