Day Twenty-one = Gaining His Favor

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? (Luke 18:7)

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shares a parable about a widow, her case and a judge. The widow demonstrates the power of persistent, insistent and focused prayer. The widow finally got justice from the unrighteous judge because she continually kept her case before him. When we pray, the One we are coming to is the Righteous Judge. How much more will He give His favor to those who are persistent, insistent, and focused in prayer?

Persistence is defined as continuing especially against an obstacle. Insistence is defined as “persistently calling for, or compelling attention” (Encarta Dictionary) Focus is the ability to stay on point.

Let’s take a minute to explore the possibilities if we take these three descriptive words and turn them into actions. Persistence by definition requires an obstacle. Look into your life and identify what the obstacle is. Maybe it is sticking to the fast without cheating, or maybe it is a health concern, relationship, or job woe. Whatever the obstacle in your life, it cannot be overcome without persistence, and conversely persistence cannot be present without the obstacle. Enter Insistence. This descriptive word comes into action when we begin to practice our faith. The definition of insistence calls for us to perform a task persistently or in the face of the obstacle. That is what prayer is, crying out to God believing that He will hear us no matter how big the problem. And thirdly we have our focus; which requires us to keep our eyes on the Lord every day. Moving our eyes off of Him for even just one day will change our focus and cause us to stumble. If we persistently insist upon keeping our eyes on Christ through close relationship facilitated through prayer, then our righteous judge will hear us, love us and provide answers to all of our troubles or obstacles in his perfect timing.

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• Day Five = Fasting as a Discipline (40 day fasting challenge) (pastorstrom.com)