How Much Persistence Do You Have In the Face Of Pessimism When You Pray?

Good Morning Friends,

Today we look at a parable about not losing heart and the faith to walk on water and the commitment of an Apostle to live boldly despite difficulties. How Much Persistence Do You Have In The Face Of Pessimism When You Pray?

Scripture: Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In 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, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “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.” ‘ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV)

Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there for three days; then we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day there a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him He lived there for two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Acts 28:11-16, 30-31 (NRSV)

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

Message: Let’s face it. It is hard to pray. Maybe you have spoken the same prayer a hundred times and wished for an answer which never seemed to come. Maybe you have wondered how to transform your pessimistic prayer life into open, honest communication with God. Unfortunately, many give up trying to deal with their doubt and cynicism which would help to cure pessimistic prayers if activated. If one is persistent, prayers are answered. Today’s scriptures converge with an appeal for us, in the storms of life, to be persistent in prayer. Whether our task is walking on water or convincing a judge of just action or committing, with sacrifice, to a cause greater than ourselves, we are to be in continual prayer. The parable about the woman with no rights, and no one to defend her, facing some matter of great injustice sets the stage. And it is in such a situation that we might fail in earthly matters of justice, but we must not shirk from a spiritual firmness to press on with faith when others grow faint. We are not to bow before injustice systems but work for a just resolution for the cause of Christ. We are to realize that Christ desires that just as much as we pray, we should also work for justice in this world with persistence. This act of faith produces hope that does not disappoint. Friends, our attitude and mindset make a difference. There are physical obstacles to overcome that might be difficult to move but it is the mental hindrances that are perhaps even more important. We must believe before we can fully accomplish a task worthy of glorifying God. Practicing prayer keeps us on track.

And So, there are thousands of reasons for people to doubt and be pessimistic, but the most common come from an unanswered expectation. Finding the reason for the poor attitude and false expectations requires us to seek God for the answer, then receiving truth, the false expectations are broken down. Over time this process permanently removes the doubt which then restores us to a more active prayer life. Ultimately prayer is not about you and me. It is about God and God’s initiative. Through love linked to purpose God informs our prayers so we might learn what we really need…faith in God. Today we are instructed about this through a parable about a widow who kept going to a judge to have him render a just decision. It is obvious that the widow does not have a chance against the powerful and uncompassionate judge. The thing is that if we are anemic and weak in prayer, everything we do will be anemic. We need to understand that the Holy Spirit is our counselor and advocate in prayer and that Jesus is intercessor on our behalf praying with us for unity even when we are broken. Therefor in prayer we need to accept the circumstances, environment, and things out of our control realizing that God is in control with a plan that may not have been fully revealed to us yet.

Pray our prayer life never becomes stagnant. Pray
we realize that God not only sets the agenda but also the timing of events. Pray we enjoy the presence and blessings of a relationship with God. Pray that when confronted with doubt we not become angry. Pray we push past the negative emotions and turn to God for the truth we must face. Pray that when doubts fill our minds that the Holy Spirit comfort us and give us renewed hope and love. Pray we realize that God is just but also exceedingly patient and merciful. Pray we realize that the world is filled with people who neither fear God nor respect the rights of people. Pray we be an answer to prayer for others by living without emotional hindrances but with great purpose as advocates for God. Pray we do not grow discouraged. Pray we have a spiritual contentment that empowers our love to act in faith and a physical commitment to overcome the obstacles that challenge justice. Pray we submit our situation to God. Pray we keep reading scripture for insights. Pray we realize that our doubting can bring us into a closer relationship with God. Pray we keep walking with God and keep praying. Pray we are resilient.

Blessings,

John Lawson