Luke 18:1-8 (KJV) And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Jesus teaches us here to not go weary in our prayers even when the answers are delaying. Imagine a judge who doesn’t fear GOD giving in too persistence how much more will GOD who loves will answer. GOD’s timing is so different to ours and His timing is perfect. What we think is speedily is not what He thinks is speedily. “2 Peter 3:8 (KJV) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (This verse relates to His coming but the principle is the same, time is different for GOD). The important think for us to learn and remind ourselves is that we are to cry out to Him day and night, not giving up.
When Jesus asked about faith on His return, in verse eight, it looks like it ties it all together with what He taught in Luk 17:22-37. We find, that in the end times there will not be much faith or many many people with faith. In Noah’s day eight people were saved, and out of Sodom only four (in the end three) out of Sodom. When we look at verses like in 1Ti 4:1-16 and 2Ti 3:1-17 the last days look very bleak. We are in this time and need to guard our faith no matter what.
Therefore let us be on guard and keep on praying not loosing heart for He is in control and will answer the best way even if we don’t understand why He is delaying or His answer is different to what we assumed.
It is written “Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”