13th.: It May Take a While
God often does not answer - right away.
In one of his parables, Jesus said.
“... that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, ‘There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him saying, ‘Avenge me of mine adversary.’ And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes shall he find faith on the earth?’” (Luke 18:1-8).
The judge likely knew about the Exodus 22:22-24 promises for widows.
But he cared not.
Nor was he worried about public opinion.
Nevertheless, the widow continued.
She purposed not to quit.
Her pain kept her going.
Only the judge could help.
But she had no money to bribe.
All she had was time.
Time.
Days ... weeks ... months ... years.
And the judge had to let her ask.
Eventually, the judge gave in.
When he does not answer right away, is He actually looking for something from us?
Luke 18:8b tell us, “When the Son of Man comes shall he find faith on the earth?”
Is God looking for us to have faith in Him?
Will we have enough faith in Him to ask Him, even when He delays?
By long forbearance the prince is persuaded, and the gentle tongue breaks the bone (Proverbs 25:15)