From time to time Jesus tells a parable that takes a minute to understand. In Luke 18 he tells a story about a widow and an unjust judge. The judge relents when he is tired of hearing about it and gives her justice to be rid of her. In Luke 11 Jesus tells us to be like a friend who needs bread for his guests at midnight. He gets what he wants because of his persistence. The point is that Jesus wants us to continue in prayer. Jesus knows how easily we give up. Pray always and don't lose heart.
In the sermon on the mount Jesus says these words:
7 “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. Matthew 7
Here is the meaning in greek;
"Keep on asking, keep on searching, keep on knocking."
What are you asking for?
The disciples ask: The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5 Jesus tells them more faith means you will be able to move mountains. Nothing is greater than faith that moves mountains.
The blind man asks: Luke 18:8 "Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
A crippled beggar asks;
From Acts 3; Peter heals a crippled beggar.
A beggar is set up outside the temple asking for money. Money would help this man, but what did he really need? Here are two disciples who walked with Jesus and have the faith to move mountains, he asks for money. What do you need God to do for you? Do you want more faith, to be healed, or money? Here is how Peter responds:
4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Acts 3
Even though he didn't know what to ask for, Peter and John responded to his real need, healing. Money would have temporarily helped him. What he really needed was to be healed.
What are you asking God to do for you? Ask God for the thing you really need. Are you asking for something that will give you temporary relief or are you asking for the thing that will change your situation now and forever?
"Keep on asking, keep on searching, keep on knocking." Everyday I ask God to heal my body. I start with this prayer, "Jesus you said to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and to keep on knocking. Here I am again, your son whom you love, asking for mercy and believing that you will heal me. Have mercy on me, and deliver me because of your unfailing love".
Keep on Praying.
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