Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, Grant me justice against my adversary. For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!" And the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)
WHY IS PRAYING SO HARD?
1. BECAUSE WE GET DISCOURAGED.
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged.
Luke 18:1 (GNT)
2. BECAUSE WE HAVE DOUBTS.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith?
Luke 18:8 (CEV)
But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all
James 1:6-8 (CEV)
Prayer Problems are really Faith Problems..
3. BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN DECEIVED.
I have believed the lie: "I can handle this!"
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:6 (NIV)
4. THE ULTIMATE REASON IS BECAUSE OF THE DEVIL
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
WHY THIS STORY? JESUS WANTS ME TO KNOW…
1. I WILL FACE PROBLEMS
I have told you…In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (NIV)
2. I WILL FACE PROBLEMS I CANNOT HANDLE ALONE
…But you cannot do anything without me.
John 15:5 (CEV)
LORD, I know that no one is the master of his own destiny; no person has control over his own life.
Jeremiah 10:23 (GNBUK)
3. I CAN HANDLE ANYTHING WITH GOD’S HELP.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Philippians 4:13 (GNBUK)
WHAT RESPONSE DOES JESUS WANT FROM ME?
1. GOD WANTS ME TO BECOME HIS CHILD.
The key to Jesus story is relationship.
Parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT)
God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:13b-14 (NASB)
2. GOD WANTS ME TO PERSIST IN PRAYER.
Pray at all times and on every occasion…and be persistent in your prayers.
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18 (NLT)
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