PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens

-Joe Fornear

Someone once told me they “tried” prayer to change some unpleasant circumstances and it didn’t work. I think we’ve all been there. I certainly have. After asking God to intervene over and over with no change, it’s tempting to move on to other solutions. Yet hang on, there’s a better way.

In my last Grip message, “We Can Live in the Eye of the Storm,” I covered how we can thrive in His peace in the midst of harsh circumstances. I also promised to discuss another big mistake we make in the midst of unanswered prayer. Here it is: We quit praying too soon! We can resign ourselves to a powerless, miracle-free life! What if God wants to remove the trial altogether in response to our prayers?

First, let me stress there’s been enough damage from overstated teaching on prayer and I don’t want to add. I’m not saying if we pray long enough and right enough we’re guaranteed to get the desired answer. Yet, in my view, there’s actually more understated teaching on prayer. (More on this point next time.) It’s undeniable though, Jesus and our Father urged us to persevere in prayer – don’t ever quit. One assumes for good reason. Consider these verses:

• And he told them a parable that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. – Luke 18:1
• Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Rejoice in hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. – Romans 12:12
• To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith. – 2 Thessalonians 1:11
• I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1
• Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2
• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

There’s a raw simplicity to Jesus’ counsel on prayer. In my opinion much of the confusion during harsh trials is reduced when we simply follow His direction. During my Stage IV cancer battle, I may not have understood why the trial was so intense, but I knew how He was asking me to pray. The bonus of persevering in prayer is He often answers later in the game; that is “late” from the human perspective. So let’s persevere in prayer up until the final whistle blows. Let’s PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens!