My neighbor wondered how raccoons kept getting into his commercial trash bin. Covered by two sturdy lids hinged side-by-side, the Dumpster looked raccoon-proof. It wasn’t.
One day he saw two raccoons in a tree beside the trash bin. A raccoon dropped onto the container, slid its forepaws beneath a lid, and slipped over the side, clinging comically to the edge. The second raccoon then dropped from the tree onto the bin, causing the opposite lid to pop up. After several time-consuming tries, the strategically perched raccoon clambered successfully into the trash bin.
The persistence and ingenuity of those raccoons may be innate, but that doesn’t make them any less remarkable. What fascinating (albeit meddlesome) specimens of God’s menagerie!
The concept of persistence frames Luke 18:35-43, but it’s a persistence that is seasoned with faith. The chapter opens with Jesus telling His disciples about a widow who repeatedly sought justice from an indifferent judge. Finally, the judge relented. Jesus noted that if even a bad judge can bring justice, how much more will our loving heavenly Father! But He also wondered who would have such faith when He returned to earth (Luke 18:1-8).
At the chapter’s conclusion, Jesus demonstrated the love of the Father. When a blind man called out for help, some of the crowd rudely told him, “Be quiet!” (Luke 18:35-39). But the man only turned up the volume. Jesus heard him and said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you” (Luke 18:40-42).
Are we more like those who tell hurting, searching people to “be quiet”? Or are we inclined to invite others to bring their deep heart concerns to Jesus in faithful persistence? He loves us and hears our prayers!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 21:1-29
More:
What lessons about the kingdom of God did Jesus teach? (See Luke 18:8-30).
Next:
In what ways do you need to be more persistent? What is the difference between godly persistence and selfish stubbornness?
Gary Shultz on April 21, 2015 at 6:35 am
I have no doubt that God really does not ask or want to be nagged. We compare other passages where God already knows what we need before we ask. So it would seem a little thinking may be in order. When it comes to prayer God does it all for us and for those we pray. Sometimes we need a more persistent stance, not for God, but for us. Just as the disciples could not cast out a demon, a new approach, a closer view of what God had in mind. So, I come to the conclusion that God wants us to draw closer to Him. Thanks
Tom Felten on April 21, 2015 at 10:20 am
Tim, love the raccoon story…they can be persistent creatures—something I’ve discovered as well! 🙂 It’s evident God desires for us to be persistent in prayer, but to also pray with open hands, according to His will. What a perfect balance He gives us!
tgustafs on April 21, 2015 at 11:08 am
Gary, good thoughts. I think one lesson I take out of this is that I can always be honest with God—even (perhaps especially) when I am frustrated—and that is when I grow in my faith. I learn more about Him.
Winn Collier on April 27, 2015 at 12:09 pm
persistence, just doggedly putting one foot in front of the other – there’s a lot of virtue and courage in this straightforward act.