Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV) The Parable of the Persistent Widow
18 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
We all have a tendency to doubt ourselves and want to give up at times. When others are persistent in their attacks and claims, we begin to wonder if we are right and if the fight is really worth it. We may be facing something that seems clear but a relentless foe tries to get their own way and it wearies us. Such was the case in the story of the persistent widow. She knew she was right but her adversary would not relent and the judge did not care about justice. We need to remember to stand up for justice and always do the right thing.
Are you facing a challenge where your adversary is trying to manipulate you into doing things their way? Does the judge seem to just want things settled as quick as possible and the easiest way for him? Have you lost heart and want to give in to just be done with the whole thing? Have you prayed about the situation? God is a righteous Judge and will bring about justice. He will vindicate you if you stay the course.
God asks you to come to Him in your difficulty. He will avenge you. But the key is that you cry out to Him. You must also believe that He cares about you. You must remain in faith. When you go before the judge, pray first, that you be given the right words and that He will give you strength to endure. Matthew 24:13 (NIV) says “13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Father, I thank You that You care enough about us to bring us justice. Thank You that we can always turn to You for help. We know You hear our cry and quickly come to our aid. Help us to remain in You and prevail. In your name we pray. Amen!