In your King James Bible, the word 'importunity' appears in the gospel of Luke in connection with one friend coming to another friend with an urgent request, only to have that request denied for fairly good reasons. Yet, the need is so great, that the person asking the favor refuses to take "no!" for an answer, and continues to ask until resistance is finally worn away, and the request is granted. When's the last time that you came before the Lord with importunity in your prayer?
"I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." Luke 11:8 (KJB)
Now, let's define some terms. Importunity is not coming before the Lord and demanding anything. I cringe every time I hear Charismatic preachers talk about telling God to do this or that, or talking about putting their boot on the Devil's neck, all that junk is just foolishness. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines 'importunity' as a "Pressing solicitation; urgent request; application for a claim or favor, which is urged with troublesome frequency or pertinacity." Christian, let me ask you, does that define your prayer life? Well, it should because 'importunity' is in your King James Bible as an example of how to get your prayers through with God. Have you ever look to see the very next verse that follows it? Why it's the Ask – Seek – Knock triple threat combination that, according to the Lord, should come after a generous application of importunity. On today's Sunday service, I'd like to help you with your a life hack for your prayer life that really works. |
