We all have sufferings and trials that require patience. Sometimes we pray for years and our prayers remain unanswered. Other times, progress moves along at a snails pace and we fight the temptation to just cast it all aside and abandon faith altogether. I’ve always loved the imagery of “The Unjust Judge and the Persistent Widow.” If there is anyone in the Bible that I want to be like, it’s the “Persistent Widow” (Luke 18:1-8). I admire her tenacity.

But lately, as I cry out for those things that only God can bring to pass, I’ve been quietly sensing that I am missing out on someting very important. Jesus told the parable of the “Persistent Widow” to show the disciples “that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1). Our persistence in prayer is firmly rooted in the hope that we have in Jesus. As Matthew Henry states, “The Christian’s present conflict may be sharp, but it will soon be over.” And, when our conflict is over, if we endure, we will be rewarded with the promise of God, “the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10).

Christians should pray with a sense of righteousness. How can we not? Do not the Scriptures say, “I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban” (Job 29:14). However, it may be that some of the answers to our prayers will not be experienced on this side of eternity. God has something better.

I am waiting on God for answers to many prayers. And, like the “Persistent Widow” I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to “stand at my watch and station myself at the ramparts” (Habakkuk 2:1) and I’m going to keep knocking until my knuckles are raw. But, the real glory – the Eternal Glory, will come later. And, I know that when it does, it will not disappoint me. As the prophecy says, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3).

In the meantime, I need to persevere. And, so do you.