KEEP KNOCKING

Keep Knocking

by Susan Ferguson

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11 NIV)  

Jesus told a parable about a man who knocked on his friend’s door at midnight to borrow three loaves of bread to feed a guest.  The friend inside the house answered, “Don’t bother me.  My children are in bed, and I cannot help you.”  Jesus pointed out that if the man kept knocking long enough, the unwilling friend would get up and give him what he needed because of his bold persistence. 

 
Jesus’ parable, the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-13), teaches us to be persistent in our prayer life.  But notice the contrast in this parable, for God, is not like the reluctant friend, who does not want to be bothered.  

You can go to Him at midnight, and He is not too busy or unapproachable or put off by your neediness.  The Father wants you to come and ask for what you need, as a child comes to his or her earthly father.  

His answer will be what is best for you, according to His will and timing.  Never hesitate to bring your needs or concerns to God, for you are His child, and He wants to answer your prayers and be involved in your life.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming our prayers at any hour and for caring about our needs and concerns.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

 
Today’s freelance writer lives with her husband in Madison, MS, USA. Contact