For many years I’ve been praying about something. It’s not just any old thing. It’s big. The type only God can handle. As you can imagine, no answers have come. Should I give up? Just bag it? Don’t waste any of His time or mine? Here’s my advice–don’t budge or fudge in your prayers…until.

I’ve known people who hesitate to mention anything to the Lord as if they don’t deserve to ‘waste God’s time’. Or those who throw up their hands figuring that the Almighty doesn’t give a flying fig. Or that He’s got bigger fish to fry. After all, who am I?

Yet the Bible is crystal clear. Never give up when it comes to your prayers. Isaiah 62: 6-7 says this–‘You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he…’ 1 Thessalonians 5: 17–‘…pray without ceasing…’ How about Jesus’ story of the woman who nags and badgers that nasty, good-for-nothing judge, who denies her justice, until he finally gives in to her endless hounding, finally causing him to yell ‘uncle'(or is it ‘aunt’!) at the top of his lungs (Luke 18: 1-8)?

In other words, get off your high horse, stop trying to outthink God, get hold of your pride, push it to the back burner, and talk with Jesus. Be open and honest with your Lord. Never stop until… After all, that’s what He said. Not my idea. His.

I’m not giving up on my prayers until answers come. Like it says so clearly in Isaiah–‘…and give him no rest until he…’ But remember that God’s answers can be ‘yes’, ‘no’, or ‘wait a bit longer’.

Maybe I need to grow up in my faith before He can give me the green ‘go’ light. You think? And His red ‘stop’ light often keeps me out of a deadly mess or two or a hundred. I’m somewhat content with the answer ‘no’ if it comes from God. After all, Father does know best.

Step up to the prayer plate. Keep swinging your bat. Foul balls keep you in the game. Caught out trying to steal second base? It’s okay. You’ll get another at-bat in a couple of innings. Don’t argue so much with the ump. He knows the rules and calls the plays. Just hang in there. Keep your eye on the ball. Focus. Get ready. Until…

Lord Jesus, thank you for always hearing my prayers. Amen.