Being persistent with God

If you want a great example of determination and focus, watch a child lead a parent to the toy section of a store.

It begins with, “I just want to show you something over here …”

It ends with some of the greatest presentations any executive boardroom would be proud of, delivered with some of the most unapologetic, sheer persistence you will ever see. The result is often a few bucks less in the parents’ bank account and a broad smile on a child’s face.

Remember that example, it’s very similar to how Jesus teaches us to pray.

As God’s children, we may not get what we ask simply because of our relationship to Him. But being persistent with our request — like any child with a parent — is effective with God! At least, that’s what Jesus says:

“Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: ‘Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, “A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.” And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, “Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.” But I tell you this — though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You fathers — if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him,” Luke 11:5-13.

Prayer is not for the faint of heart, it often requires persistence on our part.

Are you lounging in wait, hoping God will respond to a prayer? Or pounding on heaven’s door, persisting with God for your requests?

Scotty