Today’s Readings:
3 John 5-8
Psalm 112:1-6
Luke 18:1-8
So, you have prayed, fasted, made novenas, held night vigils, do all you visibly can for this one favour. Yet, it has not been granted. What do you do? Jesus says something very important about our relationship with God. Luke 18:6-8: ‘Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you; he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
Jesus is here telling us the character of God:
He vindicates his children who are faithful to Him (who do not go seeking help from fake pastors, spiritualists, soothsayers and so on).
God does not delay in answering.
He vindicates the just speedily (‘sharply’).
What if he ‘fails’ to answer you? What if God denies you what you seek? Will you say:
God has not heard me.
God is far from me.
God is probably remembering my past confessed sins.
I am unworthy to present my needs to God.
Maybe my request is not according to God’s will.
Maybe I am not praying well.
Maybe I am not praying with words that God understands.
I want to assure you that, if you are a friend of God, it does not matter if God says yes or no to your request. He is still your friend. He is your father, your lover and He means well to you.
So, what should you do when you have a request to make to God?
Be like the persistent widow who continued to pester the unjust judge with her complaint.
Possess the qualities of the true friend of God described by the Psalmist:
Fear to offend the Lord.
Delight in His commandments.
Practice justice (give others what is due to them)
Live a holy life.
Be generous and charitable
Live an exemplary life for posterity.
These are the most important elements to practice if you wish to win God’s favour. But it is not just about winning God’s favour; it is more about becoming a friend of God. You will much more easily obtain favours from your friends than from a stranger. And being a friend of God means having the same mind heart and intentionality as God (“Be holy as I the Lord your God am holy”, Leviticus 19:2). In imitating God and his love, nothing will be too difficult for us to obtain. And even when He doesn’t grant what we ask, blessed be His name (Job 1:21).
You may be going through some difficulties. You may be asking, “Why hasn’t God answered this prayer that I have made to Him?” I want to assure you that if it is meant for you, it will come to you. All you can do is cast your care on Jesus and He will take care of you (Psalm 55:22).
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
May God bless you and grant you grace. Your days of sorrow are behind you and joy shall attend all that you do.
May God give you the courage to part ways with sins and occasions of sin.
May God grant you persistence and faithfulness in prayer and good words and fill your heart to the brim with His love and favour, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God sustain you in His grace and favour you.
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