A Forest Night

The leaves have fallen from the trees,

save the willowy group of Tamaracks;

and the coyotes yip in the rustling leaves

with the moonlight on their backs.

The shadows grow in the chilly air

and the wind brings out an owl,

and they know winter brings its bitter share

when the coyotes start to howl.

Yet, they hold on fast through the stirring night,

like the ones who always pray,

keeping trust in coming morning light

and hope for a brighter day.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Luke 18:1

A FOREST NIGHT

Sometimes, the night is long. And sometimes, we wallow around in a dark pit of despair. We might even begin to think maybe it isn’t all that bad down in the dark pit of despair. Why look for a way out? But, after you’ve been around the bottom of the pit many times, eventually, you want out.

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through and knows our weaknesses. He’s touched by the feeling of our infirmities. He doesn’t want us to faint. He knows the weight of hurt, disobedience, disrespect, dishonor, persecution and violence. 

For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

God’s ear is attentive to the distress calls of people who call on Him. He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). He’ll perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). His eye goes to and fro seeking those who would call on Him so that He may show Himself strong on their behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). Calling on God can change a predicament. Whether He will or not is another thing, and in His time, but He is able.

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luke 18:5

The parable of the persistent widow shows us that we should keep praying. Giving up is not an option. The persistent prayer request was finally granted. Our continual committing to God of what weighs heavy on our heart is what we can and should do.

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Genesis 18:20-21
  
The people outside of Sodom and Gomorrah prayed about the sin of the two wicked cities. They didn’t give up, throw the towel in and say, “I guess we have to accept things.” Not choosing to be complacent, they prayed. And God’s eye looked to and fro across the earth. He noticed them and showed Himself strong to them on behalf of their prayers.
  
Calling on the name of the Lord is a common theme throughout the Bible. God cares. He’s willing to help and delivers for His glory. Like those before us, be a caller. Like those before us, be persistent. Like those before us, don’t be complacent. And like those before, don’t give up.
  
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Psalm 50:15

Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

When Richard Wurmbrand was 39, he was put into prison for his faith. His cell was underground. He was in a pit for a total of 14 years. But he kept praying, even for his persecutors. Eventually, he was freed and God kept him alive to the age of 92, and he and his wife went on to start the Voice of the Martyrs.

Remember them that are in bonds,
as bound with them;
and them which suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3

Let’s remember to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe who are in bondage for their faith. Keep a prayer appointment with our Creator God. Sunday, November 3^rd, 2019 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

The leaves are falling from the trees here in my neck of the woods. The willowy tamaracks are gearing up for what comes next. Creation’s timing reminds us that although it might look like things are dying, a reward is coming, like morning following night. There will be a return of the King. Only this time, He comes not as the sacrificial Lamb but the conquering Lion able to give the crown of life.

Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:
be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13

Remember to call on the name of the Lord—pray. Trust His timing. May you be encouraged by the faith of the persecuted. No one ever cared for us like Jesus—the reason, even when in a pit, for our peace.