Jesus tells a parable about the widow who just kept asking for justice. She receives it. She annoys the unrighteous judge enough that he gives her what she wants. God is not an unrighteous judge and won’t come to annoyance. The lesson is to keep asking. We pray and we pray more. Pray until you know you have it, though that can be after praying just once.

At the end of that parable, Jesus asks if He will find faith on the earth when He comes. Will you keep praying and not give up? Ask Him for the faith to keep praying! Faith is a gift. Ask, receive. Pray in faith!

Recognize your need for God in all things. Don’t rely on your strength to stand. We need all from Him. Jesus also told a parable to warn those relying on themselves. They trusted in their own righteousness. If you don’t recognize your need for God, you won’t have Him meeting your needs.

The self-righteous Pharisee needed forgiveness and didn’t get it because he didn’t seek God’s mercy. Another recognizes his sin and asks for mercy and receives it.

Paul warns those who think they are strong, warning them about falling into temptation. Don’t rely on yourself. Throw yourself on God’s mercy.

Jesus wants us like children. Don’t know it all. Don’t trust your knowledge and faith. Know God. Trust Him alone.

God will help us rely on Him. He will take away what we rely on to get us to turn to our Savior. The rich young ruler needs to give up his wealth. He can’t on his own. It’s what he relies on. But it’s a good thing that salvation is impossible for us. That means we can’t save ourselves. It means we need a Savior. We have one. Our salvation is possible with God. He can turn our heart to abandon the things we once thought so important and necessary. We can abandon it all and follow Him.

God’s not after your sacrifice. He’s after your heart. He will return what you give up one way or another. He comes with reward in hand.

I have the story of Jesus asking the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” In my prayer guide, “A Week with Jesus.”