You have probably seen this caption more often than not especially in corporate offices displayed on a  picture depicting a beautiful scenery; "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistent. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful talented people. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent". Persistence, determination, words that seemed to have lost much of their potency in our contemporary culture that prefers "quick & easy" method.

Persistence is a vital Christian virtue especially as it relates to prayer. Luke 18, gives us a vital clue. The story of the widow woman who keeps up a persistent cry for justice is an excellent example. The story reveals that persistence is not about quantity (how often, how many); it is more about resolve; Not backing down when you are convinced there is no other options; Not giving in or up so easily. It is about learning to take our life struggles to a God who listens, cares, is willing and able to empower us with His grace to see us through the hardships of life. Persistence is a gift. Not a curse to bear.

The widow lady and her story of her pending destitute is mimics the hardships of life we encounter. The story of how to endure hardship that seemingly has no possible solution or relief. She teaches us the value of persistence - continuing to go God with our needs, struggles, brokenness, pains, heartaches, etc. She chose not wallow in her helplessness, rather she sought the only source who could give her some means of relief; an unjust judge. The scripture does not tell how often or how long she pleaded her case to the judge. But it was enough to get his attention and he concluded she would not let up until he provide some semblance of relief to her.

This is not a matter of quantity (must pray every day, all the time because God is keeping a record). It is not a matter of trying to wear down or impress God with quantity. It is a matter of being persistence out of relationship. We persevere better through the hardships of life when we offer prayer persistently out of faith - faith in the character of Christ - His love and compassion, His wisdom and power and trust in His purposes to be worked out. We matter to God. We belong to Him. That is etched in eternity. Let us not lose heart and continue to return repeatedly in prayer to the One whose grace is always sufficient to see us through the hardships of life.

My admonishment to you. Whatever you are praying about, if you are convinced that it is God's promise to you, continue to pray without ceasing. We honor God's goodness, compassion, mercy, love, etc when we are persistence in taking our troubles to him. Holler back with your thoughts.