Word for Today: Be Importunate In Prayer

Be Importunate In Prayer · Thursday, May 9th

Pastor Anita

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me (Luke 18:1-5).

The teachings of the Lord Jesus on faith are quite profound. In the text above, He taught on being persistent in prayer. He said men ought always to pray and not give up or lose heart. You’re supposed to pray in faith and expect results, because faith always works. To be discouraged or disheartened about a situation that you’ve prayed about, isn’t faith. Faith is the confident assurance and expectation that what you asked God for has been granted you. Therefore, you don’t give up; you remain importunate like the woman referenced by Jesus in our opening text.
Importunity in prayer doesn’t mean you’re unbelieving; it actually indicates faith, otherwise you won’t be insisting and standing your ground on the Word to produce results. Where some have missed it, however, is that they give up too soon. In faith, you stand your ground until it’s done.
Though there’s an adversary, the devil, that may try to stop your miracle, he’s no longer a factor. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." In this scripture, you’re admonished on how to deal with Satan: you’re to resist him! James 4:7 further tells us the result of resisting him: he’ll "show a clean pair of heels"; that means bolt in terror. He’ll flee from you.
Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep nurturing your desires and your expectations with your faith-filled confessions. The Bible says if the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth (Ecclesiastes 11:3); your faith will surely prevail if you faint not.
Prayer  Dear Father, thank you for helping me build strong and prevailing faith through your Word. Nothing is impossible unto me, and no level of success, victory and progress is unattainable for me because I live by faith in the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Mark 11:23-24;1 Timothy 2:8; Luke 18:1-5

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : John 4:27-54, 1 Kings 2-3

2 Year Reading Plan : Mark 9:2-13 Numbers 12