Today’s devotion was written by Jean Paul & Shadia

Persistence is described as the fact of continuing in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. 

This parable talks about the persistent widow, who went before an ungodly judge, and after several attempts were finally granted due justice. I relate this parable with a believer’s prayer life. If this widow got justice from an ungodly judge, how much more can we get from our heavenly and perfect Father? There are many Biblical examples of bold women who plead before God, like the persistent widow. Similarly, to the persistent widow who came before the judge, Hannah went to the temple to pray for a child and the woman who bled for twelve years touched Jesus’ clothes for healing. All these women were praying for different desires, however, they had a common posture while praying which is a significant component of any believer’s prayer life. 

The persistent woman (Luke 18 1-8)

When Jesus was talking about this parable His intention was to encourage His disciples to pray and not give up. This widow was powerless but she came before the judge to seek justice continuously. The scripture does not specify how many times or how long she came before the judge but it was enough time to get his attention and to bother him that he finally gave her what she wanted, so he can have peace. This widow was powerless, she was humble and she made her request known until she got an answer.

Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 1:1-18)

Elkanah had two wives Peninnah and Hannah. Hannah was greatly loved by her husband however the Bible says she was childless and Peninnah constantly provoked her and bitterly embarrassed her. 

‘Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.’’ (1Samuel 1:7)

 This went on for a while, however, one day Hannah was distressed and she wept and prayed to the Lord.

12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli (the priest of the temple) observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1 12-15 NIV) 

Hannah was desperate and she knew that only God could grant her a child, she prayed continuously until she had no breath. In the end, God granted Hannah a son named Samuel. 

The woman who touched Jesus’ garment. (Mark 5:21-34)

When Jesus was on his way to heal the daughter of Jarius a large crowd followed. Among them was a woman who suffered bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money trying to get better but would get worse instead. Until she had an opportunity to touch Jesus ‘clothes and was healed immediately. It was not easy moving in the crowd of people but she had faith and persistence to push through until she touched him. Jesus told her 

“Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)

Posture Matters 

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

All three of these women had a different approach to expressing their desires, however, they all had faith and believed. They portrayed a humble and desperate heart with persistence. We all pray for different things however our posture matters at all times. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer is a biblical principle that releases God’s planned blessings. When we pray we invite God to intervene according to His will. 

May we all raise up to be persistent and humble, prayer warriors like these bold women. 

Amen.