Be Persistent in Prayer

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV

In a story titled "Ultra-runner attacked by bear while running in Yosemite Valley” published yesterday, it was reported that A California ultra-runner was attacked by a bear while finishing up a 50-mile run through Yosemite Valley over the weekend. Jon-Kyle Mohr was less than a mile away from a triumphant finish to his lengthy sprint Sunday night when he collided with the large, adult black bear, he told the Los Angeles Times on Monday. The 33-year-old had headed out from his home in June Lake over the Sierra Nevada and down into the Yosemite Valley — an impressive 50-mile dash he had been planning for years, he told the outlet. But as he was approaching the finish line, Mohr saw a huge black shape in the darkness charging at him. He said he felt “some sharpness” on his shoulder before he was forcefully flung into the dark. Next thing he knew, people were gathered about 100 feet away shining their headlamps in his direction and shouting, “Bear!”…The accomplished runner was left with torn clothes and a few scratches, but no serious injuries.The collision, which happened near the popular Vernal Falls trailhead, occurred just seven-tenths of a mile from Mohr’s finish, he told the paper. 

And you know, as I read this story, I couldn’t help but compare Mohr’s story to the story of the persistent widow that Jesus shared with the disciples “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” You see, so many things can happen during a long race that can cause a person to lose hope, in the same way we can lose hope when our prayers aren’t being answered. The devil will attack our minds and discourage us from persisting in prayer, especially when we’re just a few tenths of a mile from the finish line and from claiming victory. Which is the very reason we must never give up praying! For reasons only God knows, our prayers aren’t always answered in a way we consider timely. But if we give up, they will never be answered. 

So be steadfastly persistent in prayer my friend, remembering that prayer is powerful no matter how hard the enemy tries to convince you otherwise. Keep crying out to Him day and night knowing that God hears the pleas of His children. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we must be persistent in prayer. Help us to remain especially hopeful when it seems our prayers aren’t being heard or answered, trusting Your timing and your ways, and understanding that waiting periods serve to grow our faith and mold our character. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!