Pause

Staying after it. Not giving up. Being stubborn.

Persistence. It's hard to say just where this characteristic comes from, but in the life of faith we can say that, when we do not give up on matters of righteousness, persistence has its source in God.

That is because there is none so persistent, so faithful as this One we follow. Make it your intent, just in these next few moments, to be focused on listening for God.

Listen

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ā€œIn a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ā€˜Grant me justice against my opponent.ā€™ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ā€˜Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.ā€™ā€

Luke 18:1-5

Think

Iā€™m the kind of person that when you ask me a question, I want to answer with a story. Maybe you have a friend or family member like this or maybe you do it too.

Donā€™t feel self-conscious. Jesus did it all the time. Jesus did it whenever anyone asked him a question that was meant to trip him up. Much like when our moms or dads ask us something even though they already know the answer, Jesus isnā€™t always straightforward. And Jesus always talks about being a light, so we have to assume that he doesnā€™t want to leave us in the dark.

Then what is Jesus trying to do with these parables? Jesus is inviting us to figure out the answers for ourselves. Using a metaphor, Jesus is a map. Jesus shows the way to the answers. The important question is, will we persist in following the guide that is Jesus? That answer is not complex, but life can be. So as we persist, we have to persist in prayer, never losing heart.

Patrick Kangrga

Pray

God, life can get complex and confusing and I donā€™t always understand where you are guiding me. I donā€™t always understand WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) But please help me to follow the map of Jesus that leads me to the answers I am seeking. Amen.

Go

Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.

Jude 1:24-25 (CEV)

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