Much has already been said in Colossians concerning perseverance in
prayer, so I won't repeat myself here (see the lessons on Colossians
1:3, 9, 29; 2:1). Instead, I want to briefly address the reasons why a
good God who can help often seems not to, or at least not to in
accordance with our schedules. There are surely reasons other than
these, but here are a few suggestions that I hope will encourage you to
"continue steadfastly in prayer" (Col. 4:2a).
First, we are a presumptuous people! We just assume that God ought
always to do what we ask, when we ask, precisely in the way we ask. By
delaying his response, God awakens us to the gracious character of all
answered prayer. In other words, that God says or does anything at all
in response to our petitions is sheer, undiluted grace. Resolute
continuation in prayer, watchful perseverance, is often the best way
for us to learn this invaluable lesson.
Second, steadfast endurance in coming again and again to the throne of
grace is God's way of cultivating in us a sense of absolute and utter
dependence upon him. We are by nature self-reliant, self-sufficient
folk. If God were instantly and at all times to answer our every prayer
we would gradually lose our sense of urgency. Truth be told, most of us
would soon lose sight of the fact that it is God alone who is the
source of all good. By suspending his response, God is saying to each
of us: "Just how desperate are you? How conscious are you that I am
your only source, your sole and all-sufficient supply?"
Third, persistent praying puts us in that frame of mind and spirit in
which we may properly receive what it is that God desires to give. In
other words, it isn't so much that God is reluctant to give, but that
we lack preparation to receive. Try to envision what a mess your life
would have been had your parents granted you everything you asked for
as a child! God often delays his answers because, quite simply, we are
in no shape to receive them. Few of us are willing to admit that, but
deep down we know it's true.
Fourth, steadfast, watchful continuation in prayer helps us
differentiate between impetuous, ill-conceived, selfish desires, and
sincere, deep-seated, Christ-exalting ones. Persistence in prayer thus
enables us to weed out improper petitions.
Fifth, endurance at the throne of grace purifies the content of our
petitions. By repeating our prayers we are forced to think and re-think
what we are saying. We are compelled to evaluate our motivation and aim
for asking God for something in particular. It's a bit like how I read,
re-read, and read yet again each of these meditations before I send
them out. It helps me identify mistakes, locate typographical errors,
and re-phrase something that otherwise might be false or misleading. I
can almost envision God saying, in response to my first articulation of
a prayer: "Sam, are you sure you want me to answer that one? Think
about it. Contemplate the long-term consequences of a Yes. Then come
back and ask me again in different terms, with a purified purpose."
Sixth, perseverance cultivates patience. By withholding an immediate
response, we learn how to "wait" on God. Waiting on the Lord is far
from a passive posture. It's an active, expectant, persistent pressing
in to the heart and purposes of a loving God. How might we ever learn
to do this were it not for steadfastness in prayer?
Seventh, oftentimes God wants to give, but not now. The answer will
come in better circumstances, at a more opportune moment. By delaying
his response a greater and better and more God-glorifying end is
secured than by an immediate answer.
Finally, even if none of the reasons given above makes sense to you,
persevere anyway! God isn't asking you to understand: he's asking you
to be faithful.
Longing to linger at the throne of grace,
Sam
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