But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
| Heart of
true ministry by Cathy Vinson |
Children can
so easily and unintentionally portray persistence to us. A toddler at bedtime does
eveything possible to delay the inevitable. This may include playing furiously with a toy
earlier ignored, jabbering, protesting, and wanting more kisses and water as he or she is
finally tucked in. What feverishness! If we'd only work as hard in our prayer life! In Luke 11:5-10 we read the story of a man whose friend needed to borrow something. He happened to need it at midnight. The friend tries to dissuade him, and would have in spite of their friendship. It is because of his PERSISTENCE, however, that he finally yields. Jesus is teaching us here and in Luke 18:1 that we must be more lionhearted in our praying. We give up far too easily. A rabbi Shem Tov spoke playfully of God living in a great palace protected by high walls and guards which keep God "safe" from those who might lay bold claim to His graciousness. The guards protect God from His own unlimited compassion; otherwise, He would give away the Kingdom to those who boldly and persistently come. However, the guards freely admit those casual petitioners who bring only matters of shallow importance. They know the King will pay them no mind. But they watch carefully for those who come in the agony of prayer or the joyfulness of play, because the King is perfectly helpless before them. Those who come with a bold and loving eagerness are the ones who gain access to God's deepest heart (Heb 4:16). |
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| One day
Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show
them that they must never give up. (Luke 18:1) |
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Send a note to Cathy Vinson , the writer of this devotion.
Other Whispers from the Wilderness Devotions are found HERE
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