Persistence past resistance

BANG!

The hammer hit the rock. No change.

BANG!

The hammer hit the rock again. No change.

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

On and on it seemed for hours the hammer tried to break the rock open. Over and over again it struck the rock with no apparent change.

Then suddenly:

BANG!

And the rock split. The treasure was revealed.

The hammer rested.

What things in your life have felt like immovable, hard, stubborn or never-ending rocks? Who or what have you prayed over or for or with time after time after time with seemingly no answers, no response?

One Biblical translation tells this story:

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’’

 “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”

“Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet.” (Luke 18:1-8 MSG)

God hears every prayer you pray. He knows every time you feel like your spiritual hammer is just banging uselessly against the rock. I assure you, God will stick up for you, he will not drag his feet, and will step in and work justice for his chosen people who cry out for help.

El Shaddai, God Most High,

Thank you for your love and loyalty to us, your children, and the delight and protection you pour out over us. Thank you that you hear our prayers and you are with us in times of trouble. Help us persist in prayer, especially when there is so much resistance opposing us. Help us remember that you have overcome the world and you desire to deliver us, bring us honor, satisfy us with a full life, and give us your salvation. We ask in the strong name of Christ, Amen.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:23 NIV)

For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:

‘Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name, I will greatly protect you.

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel my presence in your time of trouble.

I will deliver you and bring you honor.

I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you.

For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!'” (Psalm 91:14-16 TPT)