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 that winter brings its share
when the coyotes start to howl.
 
Yet, they hold on fast through the stirring night,
like the ones who always pray,
having faith and trust in the morning light
and hope for a brand new 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

The night is long. Sometimes, we wallow around in a dark pit of despair. Why look for a way out? But, after you’ve been around the bottom of the pit a few times, eventually, you want out.

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through and knows our weaknesses. He’s touched by our infirmities and doesn’t want us to faint. He knows the weight of hurt, 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. 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). He is able to perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). 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. Keep “troubling” God. The persistent prayer request was finally granted! Our continual committing to God of what weighs heavy on our heart is what we can do.

Calling on the name of the Lord is a common theme throughout the Bible. God is willing to help. He delivers for His glory. Like those before us, including the persistent widow, be a persistent caller. Like those before us, 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
 
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6
 
At 39, Richard Wurmbrand was put into prison for his faith. He was in an underground 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! He and his wife went on to start the Voice of the Martyrs, a great organization that tries to help those who are being persecuted for their faith.

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
 
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 for Sunday, November 7th, 2021, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. And pray throughout the year.

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 the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10
 
Rely on the power of prayer.
Remember God’s kindness.