Title: Persistent Faith
Memorize: So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Luke 18:1-8 (Nkjv)
[1] Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
[2] saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
[3] Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’
[4] And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,
[5] yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”
[6] Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.
[7] And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
[8] I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Message:
Faith is having a strong belief that something you have not seen will become a reality. Faith is in levels, and today’s memory verse tells us about the kind of faith that is as little as a mustard seed. Though it is small, it can make the impossible become possible. We also have persistent faith, as seen in today’s Bible reading. This kind of faith does not take ‘no’ for an answer. It keeps believing until there is a result.
In today’s Bible reading, the widow’s persistence led to her request being granted. Just like that widow, you should also be persistent in your requests to God. You may be faced with challenges in your studies or difficult situations in your family; have faith in God, remain persistent in prayers, and you will experience victory even in such difficult situations.
My dear child, one of the ways to build your faith is through the word of God. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the word of God. When you meditate on the word of God at all times, your faith will keep growing, and you will be able to overcome every challenge that life throws at you.
Confession:
When the word of God dwells in you, faith is stirred up.
Hymn 6: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Bible In One Year: Luke 7:31-50, Judges 3-5
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye