[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;[2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:[3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.[4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;[5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.[6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.[7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

In verse 1, the Bible tells us the reason that Jesus gave this parable. It was to encourage us to pray and not give up even when it appears that God will not answer our prayer. Then Jesus assures us that God will answer the prayers of his elect when they are being persecuted by their adversary (cry unto him day and night) and will deliver or “avenge them speedily.” Our main “adversary” is the devil or Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant because tour adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Just as the “judge” in the parable “would not for a while” answer the widow’s request, sometimes God allows Satan to afflict us, to test our faith and to refine us, as He did Job, but we have the assurance that he will “avenge us” or answer our prayers.