Last fall, I wrote in a devotion about my efforts to produce figs. I live on the edge of the preferred growing zone for figs, so I knew my chances of success were iffy. After much research, I purchased a young tree and planted it in a deep pot. I nurtured it according to all the expert advice I garnered. The first summer, when tiny fruits burgeoned from the base of the leaves, my mouth watered in anticipation.
A week or so later, I nearly cried when my baby figs shriveled and died.
The following year, I tried again with the same results. I persisted in hope for years before I finally uprooted the fig tree and replaced it with a more cooperative rose bush.
A few weeks ago, a friend in Sunday school told a story that mirrored my own fig failure. Then she whipped out her phone and flashed a close-up picture of a plump fig nestled among scalloped green leaves.
“Never give up,” she exclaimed. This summer, after years of persistence, she finally tasted the fruit of her labor.
In the book of Luke, Jesus told a parable about a widow and a judge to illustrate a principle about persistent prayer. (Luke 18:1-8)
This widow needed legal recourse for an unspecified injustice. Her only hope to right her situation was a corrupt judge. The woman petitioned the judge for redress, but he ignored her pleas. He refused her not once, not twice, but repeatedly.
The desperate woman never gave up. She pestered the judge until he relented and gave a verdict in her favor against her oppressor. Jesus’ words teach us to never give up in prayer.
John, a disciple who walked the earth with Jesus, wrote about God’s attentiveness to our prayers.
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)
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My friend tasted fresh, juicy fruit because she continued her efforts to grow her fig tree despite a negative result. The widow in Jesus’ parable received justice because she refused to give up when the judge rebuffed her pleas.
When it comes to prayer, how can we model their persistence until we receive from God? Four observations from Scripture help us to never give up in prayer.
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A widow living in the time of Jesus had scant resources and power. She couldn’t provide justice for herself. The imperfect judge was her only option.
Likewise, we must realize we are helpless to solve our own problems. God is the only One who can rescue us and the people we pray for. Unlike the judge in the parable, God is our perfect and loving Father. A good earthly father will do his best to give his children what they need. Our heavenly Father is an infinitely better provider (Matthew 7:9). When we trust Him, He always comes through.
Have you attempted to “help” God by seeking recourse from imperfect worldly sources, including yourself? If so, cast those aside and renew your efforts with the only One who can provide what we need.
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With the Holy Spirit living in us, we can know the heart of God. We can join His mission for the world by praying according to His will. In due time, these prayers will be granted.
How can we know if our prayer request agrees with God’s purposes? We find His will by studying Scripture. For example, Micah 7:18 says God delights in showing mercy and unfailing love. We can always expect an outpouring of His compassion for our friend who wanders far from God. For the one who has sinned against us. For our own grieving hearts. God will always fulfill His Word.
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Remember that faith pleases God and strengthens us. Of course, we need faith in Jesus to be saved from our sins. We also need ongoing, bold, risk-taking faith that assumes God will keep all His promises.
Have you ever thought someone was too far gone for God to save? I admit I’ve given up on more than just my fig tree. I have judged some people as unworthy of God’s saving grace. Or, after decades of praying for a family member to turn to God, I’ve mentally crossed them off my prayer list.
Though I’ve been unfaithful in these instances, God remains faithful. I have seen Him love the unlovable—including me. Soften and save the most hardened heart just days before death. Almighty God will restore anyone who will turn to Him. Never give up!
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Apostle Paul wrote, “The Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will” (Romans 8:27 NLT). We are never alone as we pray. The Holy Spirit, also called our Advocate, knows our needs and makes them known to Father God.
Have you ever been at a loss about what to pray in a particular circumstance? We are not equipped to unravel the tangled mess of sin, but God is more than capable. The Bible promises He will bring good out of all things for those who trust in Him (Romans 8:28). I don’t know how He accomplishes this supernatural feat, but I’ve witnessed the results.
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We often think of prayer as a passive activity. It’s true our prayer time may not be physically active, but we join with God in a spiritual battle against evil forces (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Are you battle weary today? Perhaps your strength is failing because you’re hoping for a particular outcome within your preferred timing rather than hoping in God Himself.
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Hope in the Lord never disappoints. When we pray persistently and leave the outcome in God’s hands, He refreshes our spirits.
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I often wonder about the specifics of the widow’s problem in the parable Jesus told. I imagine her issue must have been devastating to motivate her to keep returning to a corrupt judge. Perhaps Jesus left that part of the story blank so we could put ourselves in her place more easily.
No life is immune to intense problems. The storms of life ravage us. Sometimes our storms are literal, like the poor folks who suffer from the effects of Hurricane Helene. Other times we are pummeled by loss, grief, illness, pain, repeated sin, or broken relationships. In either case, God always hears and answers the prayers of His children.
When my friend tasted the success of persistence with her fig tree, I was sorry I had given up.
Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)
Are you tempted today to give up on a prayer because you haven’t seen it bear fruit? Have your knees become calloused over a prodigal who rejects Jesus? Have you begged for victory over that sin that keeps popping up like dandelions in a freshly mowed lawn? Are you seeking justice for your cause?
I trust God will help you to continue to pray with persistence and hope.
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