How important is our communication with God – prayer? In Luke chapter 18, Jesus, to show people that they should always pray and never give up, told the parable of a woman who was treated unjustly and was relentless in her pursuit of getting justice through a judge who neither cared about God nor man. Though this judge did not care about justice or this woman, her fearless persistence finally caused him to concede and bring about a judgment in her favor. Take a look at these powerful words of Jesus.

Luke 18:4-8 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally, he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” 

The woman audaciously pursued the judge because she knew her only way to get justice from her adversary was through him. She knew (she had faith) that justice would be finally rendered through him. Similarly, those who persistently go to God for their needs are those who believe him to be the only answer or solution to their needs. Yes, those who genuinely believe God are those who persistently and consistently practice a life of prayer. This is why Jesus, after telling the story, said, “when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” Luke 18:8b    

Genuine faith in God causes a person to pray for everything they need. Listen to King David’s heartfelt words towards God.

Psalms 17:6-8 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power, you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. NLT

Our God is the judge of all the earth, and his power is available for anyone who will believe and pray! A church that prays is a church that believes God! The wisest choice you will ever make is the choice to believe God! His greatest longing is to bless us with all that he is, but access to that blessing requires faith.

My dearest friend, I pray that this Encouraging Note will be like gasoline on the fire of your relationship with God. May your faith in God and consequent prayer life be lit on fire in a new way! May you burn with passion for God and his will and ways! There is no better time than now for a breakthrough in your life. God is able and is waiting to release his vision and provision into your situation! Will you trust him and pray? I know you agree – it is most assuredly time to…

BELIEVE AND PRAY!