09 MAY

SECRETS OF ANSWERED PRAYERS (8)
(BE PERSISTENT AND PATIENT)

“For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.”

(Luke 11:10, AMP)

The man in the parable of the persistent neighbour did not give up when his initial request was turned down. His friend said he had shut his doors and his children had gone to bed. Many would rather go away than inconvenience their neighbour, whereas some “positively aggressive” people would not give in and would not give up. Jesus pointed out that the neighbour granted his request not because he was the man’s friend but because of his persistence.

We must not allow ourselves to be distracted by the challenges, obstacles, disappointments or the pleasure-seeking solutions of man. God is always on time. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3).

God promises to answer our prayers but we must wait patiently and persistently on Him and let Him answer our prayers in His perfect timing. Sometimes, we need to be persistent in following up on man as God directs. Often, the greatest trials come just before the answer arrives, as the saying goes: “It often seems darkest just before dawn”. May we not be like the man who prayed to God thus: “Lord give me patience but do it quickly.”

ACTION:  Resolve to be “positively aggressive” but patient in prayer to get your desires in line with God’s will. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

PRAYER: Lord, teach me patience and persistence through my experiences.