THE FAST - DAY 11
Wednesday, January 15
Luke 18:3-7 (NIV)
“And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”
Devotion
As we start this new year with fasting and prayer, this parable reminds us of the power of persistence in prayer. The widow’s situation seemed hopeless, she faced an adversary, and the judge was neither godly nor compassionate. Yet, her relentless pleas moved him to act on her behalf. How much more, then, will our loving, righteous God respond to His children who cry out to Him day and night?
Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual tools that draw us closer to God and position us to experience His breakthrough. However, there may be moments when answers seem delayed, and we’re tempted to lose heart. Jesus shared this parable to remind us to never give up.
When we fast and pray persistently, we declare our trust in God’s ability to intervene in every area of our lives. Just as the widow’s persistence brought her justice, our unwavering faith and commitment in prayer will bring about God’s perfect will.
This year, as you bring your petitions before the Lord, hold onto the truth that He hears every prayer. His timing is perfect, and His answers are always good. Let your persistence be fueled by the assurance that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I often fall short in prayer. One common failing is that I don't pray at all. Another is that I pray with poor motives, that I may spend what I get on my pleasures. Third, is that I don't persist in prayer even when I am praying for something I should. Who will rescue me from this? Teach me to persist in prayer. Show me in the Scripture and in the Holy Spirit what I can pray for in faith and with persistence. As I speak to you and surrender to your will, speak back to me and show me the prayers you will answer as I keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
If you need justice in a situation, remember our pastor’s exhortation: don’t be a victim, be in prayer. As you seek justice, how do you keep the injustice from taking hold of your heart? The only way to stay out of bitterness is to take the attack to your knees and pray.
Resources:
- In this message, Pastor Jentenzen points out that, “If you don’t pray, you don’t have a ladder between you and heaven.” Watch the message, ”Prayer is the Priority,” and be encouraged to spend more time with your Heavenly Father during your fast.
- Reading through the New Testament: Today’s reading - Acts 1-10