Struck by the news of the day, the word “importunity” came to mind and how importunity can be an opportunity for good or for evil. It can be guided by the Holy Spirit or by the adversary and powers of darkness. The ongoing protests show some of the results of importunity that have good and bad results.

Webster defines Importunity as an urgent request; application for a claim or favor which is urged with
troublesome frequency, pressing solicitation persistence especially to the point of annoyance.

Opportunity is defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.

The Bible has great examples of importunity. In the book of Luke, chapter 11, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray the Lord’s Prayer; a prayer pleasing to God the Father. Right after giving the example of prayer, Jesus tells of a man who had company in the middle of the night. The man banged on his neighbor’s door and asked for bread (let’s say cold cuts and bread to make the point) to feed his guests.  The neighbor was tucked in bed and did not want to respond to the request. Because the man was insistent, persistent, annoying or, shall we say importune, the neighbor finally got up and gave the man food to give to his company. The food wasn’t given because the man was gracious and wanting to please his neighbor. He gave it so he could get some sleep!

Following that parable, Jesus said we must keep asking in order to receive. We must seek in order to find, and we must knock in order to have the door open for us.

What does importunity have to do with opportunity? Importunity can bring about the opportunity for change and the change can be for good or for evil.

Peaceful protests could have brought about opportunity for healing and unity. By using importunity in an evil way, rioters and anarchists hijacked the protests and are hell bent on destroying the very fabric of our society. Our police departments are paralyzed, businesses and livelihoods are decimated, citizens are murdered and families destroyed. The destruction has led to appeasement by our politicians, police departments, the media, and spiritual leadership.

We as Christians also have the opportunity to use importunity for good. Not only can we stand up for what is good and right, we have access to the very creator of the universe, Our Father. Jesus made it clear that by coming to God the Father, and making our requests known – even if it is over and over, we will be heard and He will respond!

 

We are told in II Corinthians 10:3 that we “even though we walk in the flesh, we do not war in the flesh.” It is sometimes difficult to grasp what that means. Our hearts and minds need to seek what the following statement means and how to apply it. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are mighty in God for pulling down strong holds, casting down vain arguments and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing our every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”  II Cor.10:4,5

With that in mind, I am praying for God’s supernatural intervention so that no political party or person can take credit for the outcome. There are certain patterns of prayer and godly importunity that always bring about results.

We must first come before God with a heart full of sorrow for the grievances against Him as a nation. Our prayers need to seek forgiveness of our own sins and the sins of our leaders and fellow citizens. All have sinned against God and man. We have the privilege and responsibility to stand in the gap for those who need to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. We must entreat God to spare this nation from the destruction that is surely to occur if there is not divine intervention.


 

Many are familiar with II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people which are called by My Name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” More beautiful promises are given in II Chronicles 7:1-18.  God’s intention toward us is always compassionate and full of love.

If we don’t follow His instructions, there are consequences. Just as a Father disciplines his child, so God disciplines his children. Reading II Chronicles 7:19-22, which informs that his people will be uprooted, and calamity will be upon them.  

I implore you. I beg you. Take this opportunity, along with me, to be importune while there is still time. God can & will intervene in the affairs of man if we ask; no, beg Him to forgive the church, the civic leaders and the citizens for ignoring Him and exalting sin above Him.

To give you hope and an example of how God can supernaturally work, read in II Kings 6:17, Elisha told his servant not to be afraid of an army of Syrians, who were surrounding the city. He told his servant not to be afraid because those who were with them were greater than those who were against them. Elisha prayed for his servant to see what Elisha could see - a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. Elisha prayed the Syrians would be struck blind and they were! Read the rest of the story to find out what happened to the Syrians.

I invite anyone who has not asked God for forgiveness of the sin in their life, to ask for forgiveness now. Jesus paid the price by being nailed to the cross for your sins, each and every one of them. His sacrifice was one of love and His perfection (lack of any sin... not a lie, not even one misstep) enabled Him to pay the price we could never pay. We are invited to cast every care upon Him.

Pray the following prayer to invite Jesus into your heart and to make Him the Lord of your life.

“Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I am so very sorry for my sins (you can name the ones that come to mind). I ask that you forgive me. I turn away from my sin and ask that Jesus come into my heart and that He be the Lord of my life by leading, guiding and directing me in every way. I thank you and receive your forgiveness.”