Shameless Persistence

January 23-24

Shameless Persistence

But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. Luke 11:8

Recently I looked at this parable in Luke of a middle man who was asked for something he couldn’t provide. Talk about inconvenience. He had the gall to go and wake his friend at midnight, asking for bread at this very inconvenient hour of the night. The truth was that the friend was already asleep, and his bread was most likely the morning breakfast for his own family. Why on earth would he get up, to start with, and then give away what was his, food planned for his own family?

The persistence of the first friend is the key. The Bible tells us that, ‘Though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.’ (Luke 11:8). What a statement! Out of the middle man’s shameless persistence, that which was needed was given.

Just backing up a little, let’s think about the middle man’s predicament. He too had been inconvenienced by a person in need. But he did not sit by and do nothing. No! Instead of turning down the person in need, he took it upon himself to get out of his bed and risk a friendship to go and plead for food on his behalf. And the best part of the story is, it was given.

Now if we apply this to ourselves, as an intercessor it hits home very differently. We have prayer needs brought to us that are far and above what we have wisdom, experience or knowledge of. We have no bread to give. All we can do is pray. But, don’t see it as just ‘all’. No, actually, praying is the most essential thing to do.

It may not look the way we expect it to look, but we can be assured of God’s faithfulness, as we continue to hold up dear ones before God. If praying is all you can do, then just keep praying.

Prayer for today: Jesus, thank You that You’re the bread of life and the living water. Thank You for being a Father who hears the prayers of His children and rescues then in their time of trouble. God as we intercede for others, You give Yourself to them. You are the faithful One. You alone are the Source that we need. Thank You Lord for bringing eternal Light into the world. And thank You for allowing that light to shine through me. How amazing, how divine, is Your ultimate sacrifice for me, that I may gain what is needed for someone else. Please help me to be an effective middle man, to Your glory. Amen.