One of the reasons we do not experience more answered prayer is because we give up too soon. Verse 20 tells us Isaac “was forty years old when he took as his wife Rebekah . . . .” Verse 26 tells us he “was sixty years old when they were born.” 

While Ike may not have begun praying for children immediately upon Ike and Becky’s marriage, he appears to have been praying for a long time. God heard and answered his prayers in his perfect timing. God is never early, never late. There were some events that had to happen in the right order and in the right timing to move God’s story for humanity along at the right pace. 

Our Father in Heaven has a wonderful plan for each of our lives. He is in charge of the twists and turns, the advances and delays. He is never in a hurry. He is never behind in his work. 

What prayer have you given up on? If it is consistent with God’s nature and character and honors him and serves others, why not get back on your knees? Why not take a walk and talk with God? Why not incorporate the prayer in your morning and evening prayer time? 

You could even turn the key and get things started right now. 

Pay attention to how God answered Ike’s prayers. Becky had twins, more evidence that God answers our prayers better than we pray them. 

Jesus told a parable, “on the need for them to pray always and not give up,” (Luke 18:1). The characters in this parable are the complete opposite of God and us. God is no unjust judge. We are not helpless widows. Our Father in Heaven is the Giver of All Good Gifts (James 1:17). We are his beloved children (Matthew 6:9). 

Listen to what Jesus says in Luke 18:7: “Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them?” 

We can overcome the Monday Blues by praying God-honoring, others-serving prayers until God answers them in his perfect timing. 

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I will keep on praying and not give up. 

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Our Father, teach us to keep on praying. Remind us that just as brewed coffee is superior to instant, prayers expressed over time are richer than flippant words spoken in passing. Teach us to pray and not give up. Amen.