SPEEDY VINDICATION

"And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:7-8).

Jesus taught us men "always ought to pray and not lose heart" (Lk 18:1, NKJV). He knew that throughout all generations it would often appear as though prayers were pointless. Oppressors would seem invincible, and unjust circumstances would look unchangeable. He also knew His people would resort to prayer–strong prayer–to correct these situations. However, Jesus did not induct a magical kingdom, or one in which difficulties would be instantly dissipated. His salvation is "great," but does not offer the guarantee of pleasant surroundings while still "in the body." It is true, sometimes the heaven over us seems like "brass," and the earth under us like captivating "iron" (Deut 28:23).

These grievous times are the environment in which godly perseverance is developed. God's "own elect," whom he has "chosen," have not been exempted from difficulty, oppression, and hardship. During such times, and by Divine appointment, they "cry out night and day to Him" (18:7). The "cry" is a shout for help–immediate help. It is driven by a sense of urgency and the hurt of oppression. Relief is not found in the prayer itself, and thus night and day it is lifted up to the Lord. Those who imagine it is out of order to pray for something more than once know nothing of this. Their stilted theology has cause both their hearts and minds to shrink.

When the answer is not given immediately, and the circumstance remains unchanged, the soul may be tempted to think God does not will to change the situation. But this is not the case at all. With great power, our Lord says, "Men ought ALWAYS to pray, and NOT TO FAINT." Often our God "bears long" with us, beholding just how serious we are, and how strong our faith is. Sometimes, as with Bartimaeus, it seems as though the Lord is ignoring us (Mk 10:46-48). Too, like the woman from Canaan, the Lord appears to disregard and even discourage, our requests (Matt 15:22-28). But the Lord is testing our faith, not withholding the blessing.

Many an untaught soul has quit praying too soon, thinking the Lord has said "No," when He is actually bearing long with them. The answer is forthcoming, but they must pray until it comes.

And what are we to do when our prayers go unanswered? How should we conduct ourselves when the Lord does not rush to our aid? Pray on! Do not faint, or give up! Let your request be made known again, and do not let despair take hold on you. Voice the prayer again!

The word of the Lord on this matter is clear. God will "avenge is elect," even though He tarries long. And when He does avenge them, it will be "speedily"! Suddenly He will intervene, and the trial will be over. He will rebuke the devourer and chain the devil, and the trial will end.

God does not "tarry long" because He has no concern for us. Nor, indeed, does He do so because He is unable or unwilling to come to your aid. He does it so you will better appreciate both His Person and His power. Now, pray without fainting. Pray believing the answer WILL come "speedily!"

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, teach me to distinguish between You bearing long with me, and when you say "No."

-- Monday: THOUGHTS ON CALAMITY --