Pray Continually and Do Not Be Discouraged
(1 Thess. 5:16~18)

Jesus taught a parable that we should always pray and not give up. Even if answers to prayers come late, we should not give up. If we pray with patience until the end by believing in God who loves us, God brings works of changes and creation in our life.

1. God who responds to us
1) Jesus taught about prayer through a parable. A widow went to a judge in order to receive justice. Even though the judge neither feared God nor cared about men, he decided to grant justice to the widow because of her persistent request. (Luke 18:1~5)
2) Jesus told this parable and said, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Rom. 8:32)

2. Several trials of the life
1) There is no one who does not go through sufferings and trials in this world. We who believe in God encounter various trials while living in this world. (Job 5:7)
2) There are times when God allows tests in order to train us. (John 6:5~9)
3) There are tests given by the devil. The devil made Adam and Eve to be trapped in greed. The devil tested Jesus with the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does. (Gen. 3:4~6)

3. Pray continually and do not be discouraged
1) We need to expect God’s help by always praying. (1 Thess. 5:16~18)
2) We should not be discouraged no matter what kind of situations we face because God is with us. (Ps. 23:4)

Conclusion
There are atheists who claim that there is no God. Then, there are people who acknowledge the existence of God but are indifferent about Him. We need to live with God through prayers as God’s children. When we lift up our hands of prayer, God says the following to us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10)