Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?  Luke 18:1-7

The tragedy of this parable, though the contrast between the judge and the Father is striking, is that I have often seen the Father as the judge. I feel I dare not ask for too much because God won’t have a heart for me. And, if I keep asking, He will see me as a pest.

Although many wouldn’t admit to feeling this way, I believe it’s the reason why more people don’t live a lifestyle of prayer. All teachers of the Word should stand up for God’s character. With that in mind, I’d like to present a contrast based on the whole counsel of God’s Word.

• The judge did not have a heart for people.  The Father does.
• The judge was unfamiliar with this woman. The Father knows the number of hairs on our head, and we are His precious children
• The judge was not moved by the widow’s story of injustice. The Father promises to avenge all wrongs done to any of His children.
• The woman had to plead her case on her own, but Jesus rose again to be our advocate, our lawyer in heaven’s courts.
• The woman had a one-time audience with the judge.  We have round-the-clock access to our Father. 

Put your faith in the unwavering character of God.   Though you may feel one way (based on human experience), you can act on a truth you do not feel yet affirm to be true.  This will always be the right choice.

You are always my Father, and when I fear You’re the judge, I need Your Holy Spirit to fuel my faith. Amen