Wearing them down!

 ‘For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, “Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don’t, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!”‘

And the Lord continued, ‘Listen to what that corrupt judge said. Now, will God not judge in favour of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them? (verses 4-7)

Read Luke 18:1-8

If there was one thing I was good at as a kid, it was the same thing my children are good at now – wearing down parents! I remember asking and asking and asking Mum for something I thought I needed. Mum would often just get worn down over time and eventually be ‘convinced’ of my need and grant my request.

Well, now the shoe is on the other foot. I am often staggered at how persistent our kids can be in asking and asking and asking for what it is they know they desperately need. ln a quiet moment I often find myself admitting that they really did know their need, and l wonder why I didn’t say yes to their asking straightaway!

Thankfully, our Father in heaven is never distracted or impatient or angry or mean to us, and so his response to our persistent asking is good and perfect. Ask today and tomorrow for what you need from your heavenly Father. He gives you permission to wear him down with your asking for everything you need! He responds in love, and his response is always what you will need to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Father, thank you for your constant listening. Help me to persistently ask you for everything. Amen.

by Adrian Kitson in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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