Luke 18:1–8
Are you guilty of getting a text message and not responding? I know I am. Sometimes it’s not on purpose, but other times, I just don’t respond. God on the other hand doesn’t leave us “on read.” He doesn’t ignore our cries, grow tired of our voices, or brush us aside. In Luke 18, Jesus reminds His disciples and us that we are called to pray always and not give up. He tells a parable about a widow and a judge, and right at the start, Luke gives us the point: “Jesus told them a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
Why would Jesus need to say that? Because life wears on us. We live in a world filled with injustice, disappointment, and pressure. Even those who love God can grow weary. Prayer becomes difficult when answers seem delayed. Discouragement whispers, “What’s the point?” But Jesus says don’t stop. Keep praying.
In the parable, a widow pleads for justice from a judge who neither fears God nor respects people. She has no power, no influence yet she persists. She comes again and again, wearing him down until he finally grants her request. Not because he’s righteous, but because of her persistence.
Jesus then draws a sharp contrast: if even an unjust judge responds to persistent pleas, how much more will God who is just, merciful, and kind answer His people who cry out to Him day and night?
This isn’t a call to beg God as if He’s unwilling. Quite the opposite. God delights in hearing His children. He doesn’t grow tired. He’s not reluctant. The cross proves that He takes injustice seriously and that His love moves Him to act on our behalf.
So what does it mean to “pray without ceasing”? It means living with a heart that is constantly turned toward God. It’s not about nonstop words, but a continual posture of trust. Prayer becomes like breathing natural, constant, essential.
Sometimes we pray in joy. Other times, through tears. Sometimes with loud cries, and other times with silent hope. But the message is the same: keep praying. Don’t lose heart.
Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” In hard times, hope anchors us. Affliction tests us. But prayer keeps us connected to the God who sees, hears, and will one day make all things right.
Jesus ends the parable with a question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” That faith He’s looking for is not flashy or loud, it’s persistent trust, expressed through ongoing prayer.
So today, be encouraged. Whatever injustice or burden you’re facing, God is not ignoring you. He’s not like the judge in the parable. He is willing, compassionate, and just. He hears. He answers. And He will act in His perfect time.
Keep praying. Be encouraged. And trust God.
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