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. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:1-8)
Parables were stories that Jesus used to teach a kingdom principle or a biblical truth. He often told parables to the multitude, but later, usually away from the crowd, He explained the parable’s meaning to His inner circle. This parable tells us the point before it even begins. What is the point? Don’t quit praying.
The story in Luke 18:1-8 has two characters: an unjust judge and a persistent widow. Some who look on the surface conclude that the moral here is to bother God enough to force Him to do something for us. However, that wasn’t the point Jesus wanted to communicate. The unjust judge is evil and powerful. He didn’t care about God or man. So, the unjust judge does not represent God. Jesus was trying to get us to understand how much more our Heavenly Father, who is loving and just, would answer prayer.
Sometimes, answers don’t come immediately. God’s timing isn’t always our timing. But this parable teaches us to continue to stand in faith, knowing that God is far better than any unjust judge. He has a plan for your life and is making moves behind the scenes to fulfill what He has promised.
Practical Application
Pray until you sense movement in the spiritual realm. After you have prayed, thank God, knowing that He has heard you and is working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises to you.