The God Who Listens (When You Feel Like Giving Up)
Have you ever hoped for something so deeply that you simply couldn’t let it go?
Perhaps it was a promotion you yearned for, a relationship you desperately wanted to heal, or a difficult situation where you felt trapped. You presented your case, not just once, but many times. You were organized, you were persistent, maybe even a little relentless. You kept showing up, hoping that your persistence would eventually lead to a breakthrough.
That feeling of gentle, determined hope is at the heart of a story Jesus tells in the Gospel of Luke.
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. (Luke 18:1–8, ESV)
The Courage to Show Up
Jesus tells this story, Luke says, for a simple reason: to encourage us to pray always and not lose heart. He knows how easy it is to grow tired, to feel like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and that no one is listening. He tells this story to give us the strength to keep going.
He paints a picture of two people: a poor, powerless widow and a corrupt, powerful judge. In that culture, a widow was among the most vulnerable people in society, with no one to stand up for her. The judge is described in the bluntest terms: he “neither feared God nor respected man.” He is disconnected from both divine law and human empathy.
So what does this vulnerable woman do? She shows up. Day after day.
“Give me justice,” she pleads. He ignores her. She returns the next day, and the next. Her quiet desperation becomes a steady, public presence he can no longer ignore.
He finally gives in, not out of a change of heart, but simply to make his own life easier.
The “How Much More” God
This is the most important part of the story, and it’s where we can sometimes get confused. Jesus isn’t saying God is like the unjust judge who needs to be worn down. He’s making a point through contrast, a “how much more” argument.
If even a corrupt, uncaring judge will eventually listen to a stranger because of her persistence, how much more will a loving, righteous Father listen to His own children, whom He cherishes?
Your prayers are never a bother to God; your persistence is an act of faith that honors Him. Persistence in prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind; it’s about resting in His good and loving character.
A Daily, Gentle Check-In
But what does this look like in our own lives? It’s one thing to hear this story, but it’s another to live it, especially when prayer feels difficult or we don’t know what to say.
Perhaps you might try this simple practice this week—a gentle, daily “check-in” with God. You can try this three-sentence prayer model anytime, anywhere:
“God, here’s what’s on my heart.” Be completely honest. “God, I’m feeling overwhelmed by my history test,” or “I’m hurting because of what my parents said,” or “I’m so excited for the game this weekend.” Just share what’s real for you.
“God, here’s one thing I’m thankful for.” This can gently shift your focus. Even on a hard day, there is something. “God, thank you for that song that brought me a moment of peace,” or “…for the friend who made me laugh,” or simply, “…for the quiet at the end of the day.”
“God, I entrust this to you…” This is where you gently let go. It might be a request: “Please help me with that test.” Or it might be an act of trust: “God, I entrust this friendship drama to you, because I don’t know how to fix it.”
The Hope of the Widow
This simple prayer isn’t a magic formula. It is a quiet habit of showing up. You aren’t trying to wear down an unwilling judge; you are turning, again and again, to a loving Father who is already listening. Every time you offer that prayer, you are living out the truth that the God who created the universe cares deeply about the details of your life.
So when you feel weary, remember the widow. Remember her courage to keep showing up. Your persistence is not an annoyance; it is a beautiful expression of trust.
He hears you. He loves you. And He is always ready to listen.
