He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect.
Everything He does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
how just and upright He is!
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT)
Series: The Gift of Faith
Have you ever become discouraged as you do all you know to do to stay in faith, yet see no change, no difference, no answer to your longstanding, desperate prayer? Maybe you were believing for a loved one to be healed, your marriage to be restored, an addition to be overcome, or your children to believe.
Are you weary? Have you given up? Stopped believing? Ceased from praying? Or are you still vigilant in hope, persevering in faith, and trusting God to fulfill His promises in your situation?
Jesus taught us that God will bring justice to His people and encouraged us to keep praying. Let’s look at a parable He taught in Luke 18:1-8 (NASB):
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect any person. Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect any person, yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge said; now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The judge in this story did not care about God or people. The widow’s situation, her request, nor the lack of justice toward her moved the judge. Rather, he responded to the woman’s unrelenting persistence. The judge provided justice to her because she refused to be denied. She stood for her cause, advocating for herself. Perhaps she was discouraged as her pleas initially went unanswered. However, she did not stop knocking and demanding what was rightfully due to her.
Jesus explained God is not like this unrighteous judge. He said God will provide justice quickly to His chosen, His elect, His people—those who believe in Him, call upon Him, and trust Him.
We see this same sentiment in Psalm 55:16-19 (NLT):
But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them.
God, our righteous Judge, hears our every cry. He answers, He rescues, and He brings justice. We can trust His character and His commitment to justice. Why? Because the foundation of His throne is righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14). He loves justice (Psalm 11:7). His justice exalts Him (Isaiah 5:16). He is perfect, fair, and faithful forever (Deuteronomy 32:4). And, He desires we call upon Him (Psalm 50:15, Jeremiah 33:3).
God also recognizes and understands our tendency to become discouraged, to lose hope, and to fall from faith. Just as some of our prayers continue through the years, the wait for Jesus’ return seems never-ending. Jesus Himself, in the parable above, asked if He would find faith in the earth upon His return.
Discouragement as we wait for answers to our prayers, and as we watch for Jesus’ second coming, is real. Don’t allow that discouragement to fuel hopelessness and condemn you. Instead, let’s heed Jesus’ teaching about perseverance and remember Paul’s further instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB):
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Whatever it is you have been believing God for, remain hopeful, persevere in faith, and trust in God. He is faithful. Justice is established. Don’t stop believing! Keep praying! God hears and answers. You shall see His glory fulfilled in your life.
May God find us in faith, no matter what, and especially when Jesus returns.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 32:4; Luke 18:1-8; Psalm 11:7, 50:14, 55:16-19, 89:14; Isaiah 5:16; Jeremiah 33:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18