Kingdom Manna

Cost

Luke 11:8, “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.”

Persistence is a quality trait most of us deem positive. We admire those who persevere through difficult times and conquer their circumstances. We recognize that often perseverance in vocation leads to great success. So we acknowledge and encourage persistence.

Unless it’s being directed against us personally. As in a child’s repeated requests for an early snack, a co-worker’s continual request for an update on our part of the project, or a friend’s constant request for conversation during an unusually busy day.

‘Pest’ becomes our silent judgment on their perseverance. “How can I get them to stop’ becomes our question. And yet we comply. Out of love, for sanity’s sake, or out of consideration. Remembering that on some days it’s us who are knocking incessantly. On Jesus’ door.

Understanding our needs, He always answers. Undertaking on our behalf, he supplies our deeper hungers, the ones underneath our requests. Unceasingly He loves us exactly where we are.

Please continue to listen, Lord.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 36:10

O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,

and your salvation to the upright of heart.