Persistence Pays Off

Sermon Notes, March 4, 2012

C.M. Pruitt

Pastor C.M.’s message Sunday was titled “Persistence Pays Off,” and his text was Luke 18:1-8, “. . . a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  Sometimes we Christians look at prayer as a duty, or a responsibility; or as a means of getting God to do something for us, or as a last resort.  What if it was the first thing we do?

Luke 18:2-3 tells of a desperate widow and an uncaring judge.  Her one weapon was persistence.  In verses 4-5 the judge finally sees that she gets justice, so she won’t wear him out with her coming. Jesus points out the contrast between God and the unsympathetic judge in verses 6-7.  He’s saying IF this hard-hearted judge will do what’s right because of persistence, how much MORE is God ready to answer our prayers.  The point is, God is eager to answer my prayers.  Sometimes He doesn’t answer the way we think He should, or when we think he should, but he answers.  Why keep on praying when there’s no answer? 

Persistent Praying helps me focus on God.  He wants us to focus on Him.  Sometimes He delays the answers so we will focus on Him.  “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)  He allows us to have troubles so we will see that He is our source.  When you spend time with someone, you have a relationship; God is all about relationship.

Persistent praying clarifies my requests.  Sometimes our prayers are too vague or generalized.  Blessings come through trials.  “I will test them as gold is tested.  Then they will pray and I will answer them.” (Zechariah 13:9, GN)  Time separates what we really want from what is fantasy.  Time helps us focus on what is important.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah29:13)  Christians are like teabags: you find out what they’re made of when they’re in hot water.  A delay is not a denial: He delays answers to test us.

Persistent Praying prepares me for the answer.  God wants to do more for you. “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us, is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (Ephesians 3:20, LB)  Whatever you want God to do, He wants to do more.  For example, a missionary to an unreached area prayed for 8 years for his first convert.  After 8 years, the whole tribe accepted Jesus as Lord.

Persistent Praying strengthens my faith.  Faith, joining with prayer, leads to answers. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!” (Galatians 6:9)  There may be delays, but don’t give up.    “. . . When the son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

How do I pray persistently?  Another parable, in Luke 11:9-13, says to Ask, Seek, and  Knock.  If we know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God give us what we need if we keep on asking, seeking, and knocking!  We who depend on God need to keep on going.  He will work in us to do His will through us.  Expect  more from God.  Sometimes you just want to give up. Don’t give up!  Look up!