Enduring, Faith-Filled Persistence — July 28 [Description]Overview of Luke 18:1-8:In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a persistent widow who repeatedly appeals to an unjust judge for justice. Though the judge doesn’t fear God or care about people, he eventually gives in simply because she won’t stop asking. Jesus uses this story to encourage believers to pray continually and not give up. He assures that, unlike the unjust judge, God is just and will bring about justice for His people who cry out to Him day and night. The parable ends with a challenge: when the Son of Man (Jesus) returns, will He find that kind of enduring, faith-filled persistence on the earth?Main Takeaway: Keep praying, even when you feel unheard—God is listening, and your faith matters.

Luke 18:1-8 365D 209.1

1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 365D 209.2

2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor ^[a]respect regard man. 365D 209.3

3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ^{[b]Avenge me on} ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 365D 209.4

4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 365D 209.5

5 yet because this widow troubles me I will ^[c]vindicate avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 365D 209.6

6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 365D 209.7

7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 365D 209.8

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?” 365D 209.9