It's dark and dreary outside today. It seems so fitting because it is really how I feel lately. I have a nice mark on my forehead from the rug on the living room floor. I feel like I have lived there praying and pleading. Believe me it is not because I am "super spiritual" but because I just don't know what else to do. Day after day I pray and plead and there are no answers. Not one answer just more disappointing news each day. I wonder if I am doing it all wrong. Am I not being bold enough? Heaven knows I am loud enough! Still nothing until I can't take the silence anymore and break down and cry please! "Please answer me, please!" I don't know what else to say but please. So for a good ten minutes I cry and whisper please. Still no answer but a peace comes. The peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) comes and wraps up my soul. My heart and soul are calmed and stilled and I truly know He is for me. I stand resolved (and forehead rug burned) to not lose hope.
Twice this week God has brought me Luke 18:1-8. A parable Jesus is telling the disciples about always praying and never giving up. A widow goes to a judge day after day begging for justice. Day after day he tells her no. After some time he finally gives her what she is asking for. He granted her requested because she was bothering him and he wanted her to quit coming to him. Jesus is never, let me repeat that NEVER, bothered by you and he wants you to ALWAYS come to him. Jesus is using this parable to teach you to NEVER GIVE UP. Do not quit asking him, he will answer. I have been told I can be persistent and pushy. Now I don't want to admit it but I am. So, I will keep pushing and begging, "Please Lord, Please!"
Never give up hope. Don't stop asking. I have a favorite TV series Once Upon A Time. My favorite characters are Prince Charming and Snow White. They are not my favorite because of all the romance, although it helps. They are my favorite because they NEVER GIVE UP hope. They always fight for hope. Time and time again their hope is what rally's everyone else and wins the day. Then the time of peace comes for a short time and more trouble comes. Even though their peace is short and they are always fighting for the good of the town they do not give up. They NEVER GIVE UP. They have faith and hope that good wins every time. That is so true. Good wins every time. I am reminded of a verse spoke by Jesus himself, "I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Don't lose hope your answer is coming. I have learned in my waiting for an answer my relationship with Jesus is so much deeper. It is so much stronger. I feel like he is pulling me into his heart and showing me more of who he is. As I struggle and pull and press and plead I see him. Yes I see his face and I see his faithfulness. He is faithful. So faithful to us. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our LORD is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9.
As I wait for an answer I receive a reward. The reward of Jesus and knowing him. In the never giving up I am being made into a better me. A girl who never loses hope in the Savior of the world. A girl who never loses hope in the one who has always rescued her from every situation. In our waiting for an answer we get more JESUS! That is so much better than an answer isn't it? To know deeply the creator of the universe. To have a faith that can move mountains because you chose to never give up, but to keep pursuing him.
Take heart today He has overcome. He will answer you and you have already received the victory in Christ Jesus. You are not alone sweet friend. I know it is hard to wait as I sit here and type I am still waiting. Take heart he is with you and with me. He longs for communion with us and even though he may be silent Jesus is there with you and me. NEVER GIVE UP. Pray until you receive your answer. NEVER GIVE UP.
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