On Saturday, a lady from my church shared how years ago she became suddenly single. She had children and no job and was living away from her family. Her sister in Alabama told her that there was a house across the street from her that was for sale. After a couple of months she came to see the house and knew she wanted it. She began to pray and ask God for the house. She prayed for at least a few months. She said, "I thought God must be tired of hearing me pray for this." The house went into foreclosure and someone contacted the sister about it. (I dare not try to share to many details or I'll have to start inventing them. I'll just tell the parts I remember.) The lien holders (or someone) said that all she needed was $600 for the house. This woman still did not have a job and hadn't worked for almost 20 years. She put down $600 for the house and they told her the first payment wouldn't be for a couple of months. After she had packed her belonging and was leaving for the last time, she went back in once more to be sure they were leaving nothing behind. The phone rang and someone offered to pay for land of hers that they were using. It was enough money that she could pay ahead on her house payment for a couple of months until she found a job. Praise God!
This woman did what the Word says,
ALSO [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up). Luke 18:1 AMP
Sometimes we pray persistently because God is working things out in the background. During the time the woman in my story above began praying for that house, something happened that caused the house to go into foreclosure. Do you think God didn't know that was going to happen? Of course He did. Meanwhile, someone else decided that needed to pay for the property that the lady owned. God was working all of this out as she prayed. He was putting the pieces in place.
Look at a case in scripture where things were happening in the background.
12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14 NLT
Daniel had a vision they he did not understand. He fasted for 21 days to seek the meaning of the vision. In earlier chapters in Daniel, we learn that he had a habit of praying three times a day. Now after he had been fasting an angel came to him and said God heard you since the first day you prayed and I have come in response to your prayer. He went on to explain that an evil spirit delayed him for 21 days. As Daniel persisted in prayer, these spirits were at war. Finally, with the help of Michael an archangel, the messenger with Daniel's answer prevailed.
For whatever reason, your response may be delayed when you pray. But don't give up, don't lose courage, don't back down. God is working things in the background to bring your answer.
Pray with me:
Father, thank You for answering Your people when they cry out to You. You have taught us through Your Word and through examples that we should pray and not give up. You are a wise father. I know that as I pray persistently, You are working things out and arranging things. You are putting the pieces in place like a grand game of chess. You are strategic in what You do. You see the big picture and I only see a tiny part. That's why I trust You – I know You know what's best. I know You know what You're doing. You are even working things out in me to prepare me for Your blessing. As I pray, my heart becomes more tender to hear Your voice and to obey Your Word. As I continue to read the scriptures concerning prayer, my faith to pray is increasing. You and I are changing situations in my sphere of influence through prayer. I am glad to be Your partner in change and in blessing others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
