Jesus told the parable of the unjust judge who was goaded into action by a persistent widow who would not take 'no' for an answer (Luke 18:1-5).  The focus of the story was on the woman's fervent belief that she had the right to ask for help until the assistance was given.  It was a great lesson about persistent prayer.  But then Jesus commented on the story, moving the spotlight onto the differences between the unjust judge - who eventually did the right thing for the wrong reason - and the loving, righteous motives of Father God.

The judge in the story had no interest in right relationships with God or people (Luke 18:2); but the character of Father God is overflowing with love.  His love is especially directed to His own chosen people, who are related to Him by faith ... how could He despise the cry of His very own child? (1 John 3:1).  The judge did not care about the widow's dilemma; but God is deeply moved by the suffering of His people.  The judge delayed his response through selfishness and wilful carelessness; but God only delays so that what He does is right for everybody (Isaiah 30:18).  He even gives the wicked time to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

In Jesus’ parable, the unjust judge took action out of frustration; but God always acts in righteousness.  The judge could only be approached at certain times; but Father God is ready to hear us all day and all night (1 Timothy 5:5).  That is why those who trust the Lord pray and keep praying to Him (Psalm 38:15).

When Jesus returns, He will be looking for those people who are in a confident relationship with God: and that is primarily demonstrated by their persistence in prayer.  Those who know they belong to Christ will pray.  Those who believe that God is love and that He saves His own, will pray persistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Those who believe it is no offence to God to keep on pouring out their hearts to God day and night - they are the people of faith (Psalm 9:10).  Strangely, those whose faith is tested most severely will pray most earnestly and thus demonstrate the reality of their relationship as children of the Most High God.  That is the sort of person God is looking for.  So, let your unresolved trials be the spur to your faith - pour out your heart to the Lord and ask Him to give you the faith to keep on praying.