don't give up!

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18

In what ways are we tempted to give up? How many ways, is more like the right question. Maybe it's not giving up entirely, but settling for something far less than we might aspire to, or believe is best, in God's will.

There is a healthy realism in life. That accepts God's will even in difficult situations and setbacks. And after disappointment and grief, presses on, seeing the good hand of God in life, or believing in God's goodness in spite of circumstances. This is important if we're to live as those who do not give up.

Jesus tells his disciples something very simple with a story. Comparing God to an unjust judge who finally reluctantly gives in to a persistent plea for justice from a widow. He tells them, and us, that if this kind of judge would finally give in, then wouldn't our good God answer prayers for justice from his people. Of course, he will. So we should always pray, and not give up. Doing so individually and together.

Yes, pray. What are we struggling with? What trials are we experiencing? What temptations might we be wrestling with? What obstacles seem to block our way? All this, and more, is really nothing to God. So we need to take these and everything else to God in prayer.

I've seen his answers whenever I do that. Maybe not instantly, but "in time". And when I haven't prayed? Or not persistently, as Jesus teaches in this passage? I have more or less given up. Caved in. Gave way. And therefore failed to see and experience God's goodness in his answer.

To not give up is to press on, in prayer to God. In faith. Believing he will answer according to his own good will. That he will work in our lives, and in the situation we bring before him. That is the way, according to Jesus, that we can avoid giving up.

Is there something from your life or thoughts you would like to share on this? Or have us pray with you about?