I had a roommate in college who was madly in love. The object of his passion could not care less about him. She was quite lovely and had no problem filling her social calendar. Alas, he was not on it. Each time he asked her out she was already busy. He told me he prayed every night and every morning that God would change her mind and she would find him desirable. This went on for most of the semester. Finally I asked him how long he was going to keep up his prayers for her affection. “I will keep at it for as long as it takes,” he responded. “It’s Biblical you know. Do you remember the parable of the unjust judge? God will eventually tire of my asking and give her to me.”
I don’t think that was Jesus’ meaning in Luke 18. Instead of God being like the unjust judge, He is just the opposite. Jesus finished the parable by saying of God, “I tell you that He will see to it that justice is done for them soon.” My poor heartsick roommate didn’t read the entire passage and had a very impaired view of God. While the unjust judge delayed his help our Heavenly Father acts for us “soon.” I can tell you my roommate’s prayers were answered, but not the way he asked. By the end of the second semester he found a different young lady who was delightful and eventually became his wife. God knows best. Ask and trust. We don’t have to pester and beg.
Jesus said, “Though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 30, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org