Focus

Be still and rest in the Lord.

Read

Luke 11:5-13 (NRSV)

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Reflect

While reading the above scripture story, I thought of Winston Churchill’s famous quote “Never, never, never give up.” Those words could certainly apply to today’s scripture reading. Perseverance is a character trait that is elusive in our culture of instant gratification. We are bombarded with commercials promising we can have just about anything, even a room full of furniture now…there is no need to wait. We do not even have to wait in line at the grocery store anymore. Just email, text, or fax your list to the store and your order will be ready when you get there.

However, God’s economy does not work like that of the world. This story about the persistent friend seeking bread for visitors clearly tells us to keep on asking. We can be sure that God hears our prayers and will respond in God’s time. About what do you need to be more persistent in seeking from God? What is keeping you from doing so?

Pray

Our Great God, thank you for your promise to hear our prayers. Help me to seek you first and to be persistent and patient. Amen.

Go with God.