Reflection: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9
Response: Prayer is an essential means of communication to align us with God’s will and purpose. Yet, an unyielding pressure exists for believers. We experience daily resistance between our life issues, trials, and the quality of our devoted life with God. Distractions abound and compete with our time spent with Him.
Consequently, in a time of much negativity and turmoil, it can take a lot of effort to block out “noise” to hear God. Our ability to discern spiritually from a natural viewpoint correlate to the extent of our intimacy with Him. Thus, we must be intentional in building our spiritual life.
How often do you speak to God, or sit and listen to what He wants to speak to you? Is your prayer time filled with thoughts of the day, scrolling on your phone, or multi-tasking? We might be like the friend in Luke 11 who gives many reasons why he cannot open the door for his friend. Is prayer inconvenient? Is it boring or feels too hard?
God stands at the door. He waits for us to put aside distractions and emotions—and let Him in. While God persistently pursues us, we in turn must persist in letting Him in.
According to an online dictionary, persistence refers to “continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition, or previous failure.” We must determine to actively pursue God despite interferences or life’s distresses.
Live exceptionally- in balance, freedom, and rest.™ God desires for us to persist in prayer even when we do not feel like it or, it feels as if He is non-responsive. We persist in prayer even when it may look like nothing is changing.
We persist even when inconvenient, uncomfortable, or hard. Sometimes prayers fulfill quickly. Other times we travail and endure—maybe for weeks, months, or even years. But it is definite and a guarantee that God always responds!