Luke 18:1-8 Probably most of can quote the definition of faith as found in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." But what does that mean as it works itself out in our everyday lives? Today's Scripture raises some interesting questions regarding faith and prayer. This parable of the unjust judge is directed to His disciples. The goal being that "they should always pray and not give up." I've heard it often said that if you keep praying for the same thing, it is a sign of unbelief and that if one truly had faith, they would ask once and leave it with God. At the close of the parable, Jesus poses a question, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" The parable that Jesus tells is about a widow that had an issue against an adversary that she needed justice served. She knew that the judge had the authority and the means to bring her relief. The problem was timing and willingness. She was determined to keep it in his face until she received the justice she was seeking. Jesus draws a parallel between the "unjust judge" and God. The difference between them is that the judge's only motivation for getting it done is to get rid of this woman that is driving him crazy because she keeps coming. God on the other hand is far more willing and able to bring relief to His chosen ones, "who cry out to Him day and night." The common thread between the two is the persistence of the one seeking relief. The question is that when Christ returns will He find faith on the earth? Will He find those who know where their relief will come from (God) and will storm the gates of heaven until they receive what they need? Or will He find that they give up or worse, that they seek their answers in other places. The implication is that to give up indicates unbelief or unfaith not the persistence.

Will He Find Faith?