Persevering in Prayer

In John 4, we find the story of a desperate father whose son was very sick. Although he was a nobleman, he amazingly humbled himself and asked Jesus to touch his dear son.

Jesus’s response, however, was quite unusual: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe” (John 4:48 NKJV). Now, what kind of thing is that to say to a dad who just wanted his son to be healed?

The fact is that Jesus wasn’t really addressing this father. Rather, He was addressing the fickle crowd that only wanted to be entertained.

Meanwhile, the persistent father was standing there, waiting, and he wouldn’t give up. He said, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” (verse 49 NKJV).

So Jesus told him, “Go your way; your son lives” (verse 50 NKJV).

Why didn’t Jesus simply respond to this father immediately? I think it’s because Jesus wanted to draw him out and teach him that sometimes you need to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking.

Because we need to be persistent in our prayers. There are times when we don’t see them answered in the affirmative. And sometimes what looks like a barrier actually may be a bridge. So don’t give up.

Is there someone you need to be praying for today? Do you have a child who’s rebelling against God? Do you know someone who needs to hear the gospel?

Keep praying for them because when you pray for people to believe in Jesus, you are praying according to the will of God. The Bible says that God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV).

Are you willing to pray with persistence for other people to come to the Lord? God is still looking for people to stand in the gap and pray.