September 13
Never
Give Up
Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Daily Steps
Having learned the foundations of prayer—faith (Day 254) and the need for relational integrity (Day 256)—the new believer must now confront the challenge of delayed answers. This verse introduces the concept of persistent prayer as a non-negotiable spiritual discipline: they should always pray and not give up.
The peace in this principle is found in unyielding endurance:
The Command for Consistency: The command is dual: always pray and not give up. This requires diligence (Day 241) and spiritual endurance (Day 224). The spiritual war is not won through one-time, passionate requests, but through sustained, continuous communication (The Call to Ask, Seek, Knock, Day 247).
The Purpose of the Parable: Jesus introduces this command with a parable (of the persistent widow and the unjust judge) specifically to show them this necessity. The contrast is sharp: if a selfish, unjust human judge can be moved by mere persistence, how much more certain is the answer from a loving, righteous Heavenly Father.
The Result is Breakthrough: Persistent prayer forces the believer to grow in trust (Day 176) and to depend on God's perfect timing (Day 182). This endurance prevents us from becoming like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed (Day 254). It is often during the waiting that the greatest spiritual breakthrough and growth occur, securing a deeper, more resilient peace.
Your peace is secured by unyielding endurance. Embrace the Discipline of Prayer today by committing to always pray and not give up, knowing that your faithful persistence is guaranteed to lead to a divine answer at the perfect time.
Reflective Question
In what area of your life have you recently felt like "giving up" on prayer due to a delayed answer? How does the command to always pray and not give up challenge your tendency to be impatient?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my weakness in persistence and my impatience in waiting for Your answers. I thank You for the clear command that I should always pray and not give up. I pray for the spiritual endurance and diligence to maintain continuous communication with You, especially when the answer is delayed. Secure my peace today in the certainty that my persistence will result in Your perfect breakthrough. Amen.
