A few days ago I felt like I received a revelation in my Bible reading.
Would you follow along with me as I unpack my meanderings?
As Jesus walked the countryside teaching people about the Kingdom of God, he often used parables. One day on the way to Jerusalem, he told those gathered around him a story, or parable, about an unjust judge and a persistent widow seeking justice. You may be familiar with this parable. I really like how the text comes to life in this translation of the Bible called, The Voice.
He told them a parable, urging them to keep praying and never grow discouraged. The parable went like this:
Jesus: 2 There was a judge living in a certain city. He showed no respect for God or humanity. 3 In that same city there was a widow. Again and again she kept coming to him seeking justice: “Clear my name from my adversary’s false accusations!” 4 He paid no attention to her request for a while, but then he said to himself, “I don’t care about what God thinks of me, much less what any mere human thinks. 5 But this widow is driving me crazy. She’s never going to quit coming to see me unless I hear her case and provide her legal protection.”
6 Did you catch what this self-assured judge said? 7 If he can be moved to act justly, won’t God bring justice for His chosen people when they cry to Him day and night? Will He be slow to bring them justice? 8 Mark My words: God will intervene fast with vindication. But here’s the question: when the Son of Man comes, will He find anyone who still has faith?
Luke 18:1-8 (The Voice )
As I was reading this today in my Bible, verse 8 stood out to me:
Mark My words: God will intervene fast with vindication.
This is a promise isn’t it?
Did you catch it? Jesus gives a time frame for God’s intervention: God will intervene FAST with vindication.
Just like the widow we need to keep praying….making sure that we don’t let the enemy discourage us. And when we pray, circling the promise that God will intervene fast.
Here’s the stinger with which this parable ends:
But here’s the question: when the Son of Man comes, will He find anyone who still has faith?
It makes me think that there is an element in God’s response which depends on us.
Do we have the faith to believe that he will act quickly to answer our prayer?
You have faith. I have faith.
To what degree are we exercising our faith?
I don’t think God is interested in the size of our faith. Nope. He can develop our faith, grow it, mature it….make it into whatever he desires.
I think what God is looking for is people who are willing to believe.
- People who will trust him no matter what.
- People who don’t easily give up.
- People who expect God to deliver on his promises.
I don’t know your situation. But, I am praying circles around a particular position for which my husband has sent in his resume. I’m not sure if I’m driving God crazy with my prayer. But I am persistent. Are you driving God crazy with your prayer ?
My persistent prayer is filled with faith. There is no doubt in my mind that God can move the hearts of headhunters and decision makers. I trust God to bring about justice and to bring about this new position…and soon.
God is faithful….may he find me faithful.
What’s your situation? Are you persistent in your prayer and expectation?
Will God find you faithful?
Today is Joy Day!
Want joy? The best way I know to get joy is by quieting down for a few moments and reflecting on the gifts/blessings from the past week. There’s something wonderful about looking back and acknowledging the good things God has done and counting just ‘seven’ of them. We’re supposed to give thanks in/for all things. That includes things like my not-so-good week, too.
Will you join me in counting just ‘seven’ from the past week.
I’ll start…
Thank you God for…
- the people in my life who stand with me in the “in between.”
- getting to fix breaky and make a lunch for my husband every morning.
- friends who are also praying circles around the “applied for position.”
- how your word comes alive as I read it.
- a cat who wakes me several times during the night. [sigh]
- our lack.
- YOUR faithfulness. And knowing your mercies are new every morning.
Now it’s YOUR turn!!
Join me in counting ‘seven.’
Scroll down to the comment section…Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts….and list your ‘seven.’
I dare you!
Want even more joy? Take the Joy Dare here.
Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.
Joyfully!
Diane
To receive FREE bits of inspiration like this
in your inbox or reader, subscribe now.
Let’s connect! Facebook :: Pinterest :: Google + :: Shop-Longaberger Lifestyle
I’d be delighted if you’d share the goodness here with your friends.
Click any of the sharing buttons at the bottom.
Sharing at these Extraordinary spots:
Imparting Grace
thanks! a bit encouraged as when my teen son turned from the Lord over 2o years ago a friend said “Glenda all you can do is love him, pray for him and wait!” which I have been doing for over 20 years now. my only hope is that Jesus will finally answer my prayer for recommitment for my son Craig and his wife Tiffany–parents of our precious Wells–16 month old and baby Phoebe born April 7. they so need Godly parents–my hearts desire!
hugs
glenda kremer
I didn’t tell you Glenda…but I added your son to my prayer list. 😉
Good Morning Diane,
I went online early this morning so that I could begin my day with “Joy Day”. You weren’ there!! Just a few minutes ago I decided to access your page through FB…This is very upsetting! The same thing is has been happening with one of the other blogs that I follow daily…what is happening? Hope it gets resolved soon; the other blogger seems to think that it is a feedburner issue….
And yes I think I drive God crazy! but like you I am as persistant as the widow in Luke! and the scripture also says to pray without ceasing!
I am grateful today for:
l. This wonderful, beautiful weather, and relaxing Easter Break!!!
2.For being renewed in body and soul!
3.That my son’s grade point average in college is 4.0!!! hard one!
4. that my little veggie patch is thriving!
5. for God’s promises that I rely totally upon!
6. That have become more joyful! even though my dire circumstance has not changed. Yet!
7. Becoming more intuned to the “still small voice” as the Lord gives me guidance and direction…
And now off to the my tiny little garden patch to fertilize my veggies on this glorious day the Lord has made! and I am rejoicing and being glad in it!
When me and my brother are encouraging each other HE says,Come boldly and ask largely.Lol MY faith says I will not give up,anyway there is no place to go back to so I choose to keep asking.I am thankful for Days of sunshine that help keep depression away.A week without my hubby having a bad COPD setback,My children still seeking God for their lives,Help with my back that has been bad all week,James having energy when I had none,The peace His word gives as we listen each morning,Feeling Him love me when I am not loving myself.
I’m pretty sure I make G-d crazy on a regular basis. LOL…But (and I say this with the utmost love and affection) lemme assure you that goes both ways. I know there’s purpose and reason. I even ‘get’ that I won’t always be privy to that. He and I are gonna have to come to some understanding on the ‘time’ element and what He considers ‘quickly’. LOL…I can almost here Him laughing. I’m chuckling, myself.
Right….onwards with Joy!!
–Thankfully I have a G-d who is very patient and very determined. (Apparently I matter to Him. How cool is that!!)
–I got to visit with the folks I used to work with–very cool.
–Sunshine and warmth (here a d there) has daffodils blooming.
–I showed up at a social function I didn’t wanna go to and it made someones day that I was there.
–There’s a name for my physical issues! (Somehow that’s important to me…LOL)
–I played in dirt!! 🙂
–An old friend showed up after being absent for the winter…I’d missed their wisdom.
And I offer up prayers for Gwen, and for you and yours. And I thank G-d for taking such good care of all of you.
*hugs*
Haha! This is a timely post for me! I am in a similar situation, waiting on the Lord to answer on a new job for my husband and I am ABSOLUTELY driving Him crazy with prayer! Well, maybe not, since His patience is never ending. Anyhoo, seven things I’m thankful for:
1. Spring bursting forth all around us (finally!) and the sun shining in my windows this morning with the promise of something new.
2. The vibrant and growing church we are blessed to minister in.
3. Friends that love us just as we are.
4. Friends that are praying fervently for God’s best for us as we are in the midst of transition from one job to another, from one community to another, even though they don’t want us to leave!
5. My two amazing daughters who live so far away but remain so close to me, and the fact that we all will be together for 10 days of vacation next month!
6. Peace in the midst of turmoil from a loving God who cares about everything I feel inside.
7. The call this morning that told my husband of the arrangements they are making (even as I write this praise) to fly him out for an interview this week . And I get to go with him!
God is good!
Blessings,
Patti
Patti….I am so excited for you and your husband and this new opportunity to drive God crazy in prayer and to see his answer for your husband. Godspeed and traveling mercies!
Thanks for popping by today and for taking time to share your amazing ‘seven.’
May you sense God overwhelming joy in your week.
Diane, you know I’m joining you in being a pest – praying continuously…for both of our situations. God is teaching me many things, some of which are harder to activate. I know the truths of scripture, how we should pray (boldly, without ceasing, etc.), but it’s really hard to pray boldly when things are so dire. In my grief, it’s hard to be joyful. I watched my brother die 15 years ago and experienced joy through the entire experience. Why can’t I be that way now? Glenda’s comment shook me. Must I wait 20 years, as well? I’ve barely made it 5 weeks! Yet, I will not turn away from God. I will never give up hope, because He is faithful and true. He’s my rock. Here are my seven things I’m thankful for:
1 – God’s continued blessings each day.
2 – My husband’s resolve to seek God in all things.
3 – My husband’s encouragement to keep serving God and relying on Him for the energy to do it.
4 – The prayers of so many people.
5 – God’s confirmation that we are doing the right things.
6 – God’s word and how He feeds me spiritually daily.
7 – The hope that is always there – that this could be the day that we will see resolution.
Thank you for your words today, Diane. Your post is so relevant in my life right now. Yes, if Jesus returns today, He will find that I choose Him! I continue to pray for you and Tim.