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Never Give Up - The Persistent Widow

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Never Give Up - Paul Overcomes Persecution at Lystra

Never Give Up - The Persistent Friend

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Luke 18:1-8 (New King James Version)

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
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In this passage, Jesus told his disciples a story to address the exact same issue we have been discussing - not giving up. Notice in the story how persistent the woman was. She kept coming to the judge constantly until he finally gave in and granted her request for justice. She was determined and even though at first the judge was unwilling, this did not deter her at all. As I read this story over and over, I pondered on why this woman was so determined. The thought that stuck in my mind is that generally people ask for help from people who have the ability to help them. It's no use asking someone for something you know they don't have. I believe this woman knew that the judge was the only person who could help her out of her situation. Her faith enabled her to overcome.
We see that Jesus wants us to take note of what the unjust judge said. The woman came to him so often and boldly that he thought she would wear him out! What about us? Do we believe that God is ultimately the only one who can really help us?  Will we constantly seek Him and ask Him for what we need? Jesus didn't use the example of the unjust judge to portray God as hard and unwilling. Jesus in fact was saying that if an unjust judge could eventually grant the request of this woman who needed him, how much more will God our loving Father provide and protect and guide His own people who come to Him? He is infinitely more willing, but we must have faith, the kind of faith that will not give up.
God is so kind and willing to do good to those who seek Him. He openly invites us to come to Him. His word - the Bible is filled with great promises to those who would put their trust in Him.

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Real God, Real Issues Never Give Up - Paul Overcomes Persecution at Lystra Never Give Up - The Persistent Friend