Daily Devotions

Luke 18:1-8 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Another thing that hinders prayer is the life of the believer is that we want to be self sufficient. Jesus clearly tell us in John 15 that we can do nothing without Him, yet we try and do things on our own. When Peter was told that he would deny Jesus by Jesus Himself, how did Peter respond. (Luke 22:31-33 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.; Matt 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.) Peter did what we tend to do, he stated what he would do in and of himself. Peter should have fallen before Jesus in prayer, asked for strength to endure the coming trial, asked for protection and to be delivered from Satan. Instead Peter claimed what he would do. Don’t be hard on Peter for we often do the very same thing. Trying to be so self sufficient is hindering prayer for many a Christian. Instead of claiming and trying to prove how strong we are we should admit how weak we are and bow before Him in prayer.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 18th, 2013 at 4:59 am and is filed under Daily Devotions. You can skip to the end and leave a response.