The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “STEADFAST IN PRAYER” for Saturday, 6 August 2016 with Scripture: Luke 18:1 Then Yeshua told his talmidim a parable, in order to impress on them that they must always keep praying and not lose heart. 2 “In a certain town, there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected other people. 3 There was also in that town a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me a judgment against the man who is trying to ruin me.’ 4 For a long time he refused; but after awhile, he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God, and I don’t respect other people; 5 but because this widow is such a nudnik, I will see to it that she gets justice — otherwise, she’ll keep coming and pestering me till she wears me out!’”
6 Then the Lord commented, “Notice what this corrupt judge says. 7 Now won’t God grant justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Is he delaying long over them? 8 I tell you that he will judge in their favor, and quickly! But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust on the earth at all?”
-------Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.[Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV)]
My mom’s health was deteriorating due to pneumonia. Every night, we anticipated the worst. She coughed through the night, and her coughs were deep and terrifying. Watching her cough day after day for over three years made me wonder why good people suffer. She visited many hospitals and received medication for her illness. Her condition was complicated by the fact that she had hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension.
Yet, her attitude amazed me. Instead of complaining, she spent her time engaged in fervent prayer. Every night, as the battle with a racking cough raged, she prayed for healing — until one day, it came!
Our hearts were greatly encouraged by her healing and by the power of prayer. Today, four years later, my mom is still healed of pneumonia. She is able to sleep peacefully, cough-free, rejoicing in what God has done.
Paul reminds us in the verse quoted above to persevere in prayer. Even though illness or other circumstances may bring devastation, when we pray persistently God hears our prayers and surrounds us with love.
The Author: Nwakuche Emeka (Lagos, Nigeria)
Thought for the Day: I will be persistent in prayer.
Prayer: Healer of the sick, fan the flame of perseverance in us to pray for all who are ill. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM SERIOUS ILLNESS---------------------
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