Persistence in Prayer

Although we may forget about God, God never forgets us. The prophet Isaiah in writing to the Jews in exile reminds them that God has not forgotten them. Our Heavenly Father will restore them to their land and they shall have everything they need. God has never forsaken the Israelites, and He will never forsake you.

How often do we pray to God and grow impatient and frustrated when our prayers are not answered in our own timing? “Unanswered prayers” can make us feel as though the Lord has forgotten about us. Many times we pray and seek, but God does not respond. What we must realize is that God never fails to answer our prayers. Sometimes, “No” can be an answer too. For example, in Matthew 26, when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before His Passion, He asks God, the Father “to let the cup” of his Passion pass from Him. However, He later added, “…yet, not as I will, but as you will.” The first part of Jesus’ prayer was never answered. Yet, He followed through with His passion because He unified His will to the Will of God, the Father. At times, we so easily forget that God is all knowing and all powerful. We must place all our trust in Him and His perfect timing.

Despite life’s circumstances or our own failures and weaknesses, we have a God who is all loving and merciful, who desires to be united with us. There will be many ups and downs in life, many unknowns and much suffering, but there is great peace in knowing that we are not alone. God is with us through it all. We hold steadfast to His promises that, “the LORD comforts His people and shows mercy to His afflicted.” His love for us is infinite and He will not forsake us. He will never forget us and He will always hold us in the palm of His hands.

Today’s Tip: Spend 15 extra minutes in prayer thanking God for His presence and love in your life.