“But I wanted this,” are words we say to ourselves—our we should say to ourselves—when what we wanted gets wonky, painful or sour.
This goes for marriage, children, career, and maybe even lunch tomorrow.
We don’t know what the dispute is over. Perhaps the widow wanted something (or entered into something) that once soared is now sour. She may have wanted what she had, at least for a time, but what was desired now causes despair.
Conversely, it’s possible she is a complete victim here. After all, women had no property at the time this was written. They held no power.
But consider closely what she repeatedly demands from the judge. She wants justice. Her justice.
She does not include God in her request.
Include God in your request!
This parable Jesus shares is allegorical. God is the Judge. In this scene, God is completely unlike the judge Jesus speaks of here.
Be careful what you ask for as you consider the times you have been like the widow. Instead of requesting your own way and making singularly focused demands on God, pause. In the pause, pray. In the prayer, give room for rethinking.
Pray that God does give justice, yes! Just make sure you are praying for God’s justice, not what you perceive as your justice.
PRAYER: Lord, remind us be careful to include You in our prayers. Amen.