“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1

Sometimes we pray for years, and nothing seems to happen. The people we pray for seem to just continue on the same painful path. Behind the scenes, however, God is at work, bringing change in deep and powerful ways that will break through to the surface at the right time.

I think of a friend, Issac. When we first met Issac, he was a small, sad boy of 14; he had dropped out of high school during his first year and was working as an apprentice to a glazier. Being from a family of 5 siblings with an absent father, he and his sister of 16 had to earn whatever they could to feed the hungry mouths. His future was most unpromising.

But, after becoming a believer, the most important decision  Issac's life was whole-heartedly forgiving his father for abandoning the family. As he willfully followed the Lord in this counter-cultural, counter-emotional obedience, every area of his life began to go uphill. He was reading his Bible every day, went back to high school and finished, while working part time. At 19 he became one of the “elders” of a new church.

the development of his character preceded development in other areas and is the basis of his effective ministry. Today he is a university grad, the director of a national ministry, while also leading a new church planting effort.

Naturally a very quiet fellow, he has developed the ability to lovingly but firmly confront people with the truth. What a difference from the shy and sad apprentice we met so many years ago. And he continues on an upward path of growth and effectiveness for the King, because he is willing to deny self, obey the Word and do what is right.

A part of this difference can be attributed to the faithful prayers of many who interceded for Issac and his family over the years. This is a great example of why we need to “always pray and not give up.”

Prayer: “Father, help me to trust you through prayer, continuing on when I’d like to give up. Help me to remember that you are the God of Moses, the God of Abraham and the God of Jacob who hears our prayers, just as you did theirs, and will answer powerfully and definitely at the right time. Amen.”

Follow Issac’s example and choose to follow God’s way of persistent prayer!