Devotions from Judy’s heart
Persistence in prayer is so important and brings lasting results. Too often we give up quickly and miss out on His answers because we don’t persevere in prayer. We can think of the story Jesus told of the widow who kept coming to the uncaring and unrighteous judge and asking for justice from her adversary but he paid no attention. The judge refused for some time but later said he would grant her justice so she wouldn’t wear him out by her continual asking. Jesus concluded by saying in Luke 18:7 (ESV), “and will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night?” He looks for persistent faith and unlike the judge, He will listen to us and out of love reward us. 
It is likely we all have concerns that we have prayed over for a long time but given up when the answer didn’t come speedily. Maybe there is a loved one that has rejected the Lord and we pray but don’t see anything happening. But we are not to give up but to keep on praying.
 Today I read of Stormie Omartian who was abused by her mentally ill mother growing up; but experienced healing and found great power in prayer and taught many others on prayer. Her daughter had a mean classmate who she didn’t dare go near out of fear of her. When she told her mom, they decided to pray for this girl every day until school was out and all through the summer. The next school year surprise, a miracle happened and that girl changed completely and became one of her daughter’s best friends. Can we imagine what Stormie taught her daughter about praying and not giving up. 
In Isaiah 59 we are also warned that there are times our sins get between us and God so that He doesn’t hear until we are repentant and come clean with Him. He said in Isaiah 59:1-2 (Message), “Look! Listen! God’s arm is not amputated-He can still save. God’s ears are not stopped up—He can still save. There’s nothing wrong with God: the wrong is in you. Your wrongheaded lives caused the split between you and God. Your sins got between you so that He doesn’t hear.” 
Let us have right hearts before the Lord for then we can trust that He will hear us, He will answer in His own perfect time, and in the meantime let us not give up.
Challenge for today: Resolve to be patient and persistent in prayer and then thank the Lord whenever the answers come!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy