How Much More? Praying with Persistence

by Bart Denny

Have you ever noticed how persistence changes outcomes?

Parents know this all too well. A child wants a cookie before dinner, or a toy at the store, and the answer is “no.” But the request doesn’t stop there. They ask again. And again. Eventually—sometimes just for the sake of peace—we give in. Persistence works.

But here’s the question: if persistence can move us—imperfect parents and imperfect people—what happens when persistence is brought before our perfect, loving, just heavenly Father?

That’s the point Jesus drives home in Luke 18:1–8. He tells a parable “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” The story contrasts two characters: a corrupt judge with no fear of God, and a powerless widow who had no advocate but one weapon—persistence.

And persistence won.

If a widow could win justice from an unjust judge simply by refusing to quit, how much more can God’s children expect from the most just Judge of all when we persist in prayer?

Let’s explore three reasons Jesus gives us to keep praying—always, and without giving up.

Pray with Persistence Because God Hears You

The widow in the story had no influence, no standing, and no voice in her society. By all accounts, she shouldn’t have stood a chance. But she kept showing up in the courtroom. She refused to quit.

The judge eventually gave in—not because he cared about justice, but because he was worn out.

Here’s the encouragement: if persistence can move a corrupt judge, how much more will persistence move the heart of our good and loving God who delights to hear us?

George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans in England, prayed for five friends to come to Christ. One was converted after months. Another after ten years. A third after twenty-five. A fourth after fifty. The fifth came to faith after Müller’s funeral.

Müller’s story reminds us: your prayers can outlive you. Don’t quit. Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up.

Pray with Confidence Because God Is Just

Jesus points out the contrast: if even an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a just God act on behalf of His children?

God is not reluctant or indifferent. Justice isn’t something He has to be talked into—it’s part of who He is. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne,” says Psalm 89:14.

Think of the Civil Rights Movement. Before the marches and speeches, there were prayer meetings—churches filled with people crying out to God for change. God didn’t answer all at once, but He did answer. Persistent prayer fueled a movement for justice.

So when you pray, you can pray with confidence—not in yourself, but in God’s character. He is just, and He hears the cries of His people.

Pray with Faith Because God Will Answer

Jesus ends His parable with both a promise and a challenge:

“I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

God’s timing may not feel “quick” to us. But when He acts, He acts decisively. Faith means trusting Him even in the waiting.

I once knew a woman who prayed daily for her husband’s salvation for over forty years. Many would have given up, but she kept praying. In his late seventies, her husband finally gave his life to Christ. When he did, he said, “It was your prayers all these years that finally broke through.”

That’s what faith looks like—holding on, even when answers seem slow.

Don’t Quit on Prayer

Jesus’ parable is simple, but its challenge is profound: always pray, and don’t give up.

• Pray with persistence, because God hears you.

• Pray with confidence, because God is just.

• Pray with faith, because God will answer.

So let me ask: what prayer have you been tempted to give up on? A child or grandchild who hasn’t come to Christ? A marriage that feels stuck? An illness that lingers? A burden for justice that seems unanswered?

Don’t quit. Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up.

Your Father hears. Your Father cares. Your Father will act—in His time, and in His way.

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This post is adapted from a sermon preached by Dr. Bart Denny at Pathway – A Wesleyan Church. You can watch full services on our YouTube channel or visit us at pathwaywes.org.