As you know, Jesus taught us on many occasions the importance of prayer. It is what we are continually encouraged to do. In what I would like to discuss, however, it is not the encouragement to pray that I would like to explore, but what it means “not to faint.” Both are presented to us in our beginning scripture in Luke’s gospel: “And He spoke a parable unto them, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:[1]-8). This simple verse and passage have come to have a deeper meaning to me than ever before.
The word translated as “faint” (en-kakaeo [1722/2556]; ek-kakaeo [1573]), has a more literal meaning as to “give in to evil.” Its root word (kakos) is evil in a moral sense, referring to the absence of the qualities which make up what a person should be (or claims to be). It also has behind it the meaning “to turn coward,” for one to “lose heart,” or “to be discouraged.” In this aspect, it is best meant to give into despondency, as shown through either our feelings or our actions (extreme discouragement, gloominess, and depression). It is in a basic sense to lose hope. In context to the teaching Jesus puts forth of the unjust judge, the eighth verse contains what I believe is both an encouragement and a warning in relation to this use in the question He poses.
That God will answer the prayers of His elect is a fact we are assured of from His own mouth. No one can take it from us. But we must not give up this comfort and encouragement to our own doubt in what may seem to us as unanswered prayer. Our Lord’s words to us in the last part of verse eight is a warning which leads us back to the first verse: “Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on earth?”
This is where I see that, “not to faint,” or better, “not to give in to evil,” is to encourage and warn us not to lose faith by ceasing to pray. We are to pray always, holding fast to our Lord, regardless of however long it may be before He answers our prayers, or that He answers in a way we may not see or understand. Our faith is to be of reliance on Him in all situations. It is of His interests and service, from a heart reflecting His own love back to Him that He has given toward us.
To give up in prayer is to “give in to evil” by doubting the Lord’s care and His desire for us to come to Him. This is whether it is to doubt if He’s listening, or in thinking that He refuses to hear, or that we “feel” we are undeserving to be heard. It is to “give up” faith which relies on our Lord’s purpose and timing in every aspect of life, especially in time of suffering, persecution, or trial. Even in times of loneliness and sorrow, or in “unanswered” intercession for another, it is not meant for us to faint. This is something that I must admit to have done in the past, and in many aspects: whether for those I wished to see saved, to those whose sickness turned to sleep, or to my own desire in the restoration of lost relationships with family or friends.
We Faint Not: Paul’s Testimony
Second Corinthians 4 is a beautiful encouragement and example to us. The first and 16th verses contain the same “we faint not,” but the whole chapter should be considered in context. (I include only partial quotes.)
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not [we do not give into evil], but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (vss. 1,2). Paul and his helpers would not give in to, nor have any part of, dishonesty, nor craftiness, nor deceit, this being evident and certain by the way which they lived “in the sight of God” in truth, as testified of before all men’s conscience.
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (vss. 5-6).
“For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. And having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” (vss. 11-13).
It was not of their own self, but that of Christ to be manifest in each of them. Through all trouble, through all trials, through all persecution and sufferings—they refused to give up, or to give in (vss. 8-10): their walk being manifest before all whom they came across that they were His, by their every action and word being in honor and glory to Him. It was of Jesus’ personal interests for which they lived and had their affections: this alone allowed for the genuine love and concern they had toward all to whom they ministered. (See also 2 Cor. 6:3-103Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; 6By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:3‑10).)
The “we” of Paul in so many verses (1-13), is truly inclusional of all believers in application as to both how we are to behave and what we are to expect: we are all God’s ministers in Christ. Even if there is not a gift to speak, our walk in itself is every bit a ministry, either heard or rejected by those around us. We have our encouragement: “I believed, therefore have I spoken” (vs. 13); because of like spirit and faith, we are to believe and walk and speak (Psa. 116:1-151I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. 4Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. 5Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. 6The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. 7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. 8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: 11I said in my haste, All men are liars. 12What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? 13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:1‑15)).
We are not to faint; we are not to give in to evil; we are not to give in to despair: we are to do all to the glory of God: “For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction [tribulation], which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (vss. 16-18; 2 Cor. 5, is a continuation of the encouragement of chapter four, but also includes both our confidence and the constraining nature of Christ’s love, leading us in our witness).
Not to Grow Weary
In its next occurrence, our word previously translated as “faint,” ends up as “grow weary”: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And (or: so then) let us not grow weary (ek-kakaeo) in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (different word: ek-luo, physically weary or despondent in mind; become slack [as a bow]). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially those of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:7-107Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7‑10)).
In the 9th verse, the two Greek words noted come together in assurance of vss. 7-8: an encouragement for us not to lose heart in doing good, regardless of the physical or mental strain (ek-luo), knowing we shall be rewarded for such when our Lord comes to take us home. That “we should not lose heart” is the actual translation given as the direct English equivalent in most Greek Interlinear New Testaments.
Here, ek-kakaeo could be seen as the moral state of the heart, ek-luo, as the physical or mental state of our being. If we walk according to the Spirit, we will reap all the fruits therein, this giving us the strength and ability to continue on in spite of all else that may hinder us.
Love’s Constraint and Strength
This may seem to be a little off the subject, but I am reminded of a favorite Proverb, 19:17. The AKJV translates it as follows: “He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” However, I believe a more equivalent translation to the Hebrew is of the idea: “He that bestows favor upon the oppressed unites himself with the Lord; the Lord Himself will requite him for the favor shown.”
The words translated as “pity” and “given,” actually combine in the idea of favoring someone in the treatment expressed towards them. For one to be united (translated as “lendeth”) with God in service, it would be for the good of the individual that it is in service to. The “poor” in this sense, is not necessarily one lacking of financial means (though it is inclusional of such), but it is greater in sense to those who are down-trodden and oppressed (rich and poor alike—consider Matthew or Levi; undoubtedly rich due to their position as tax-collectors, but hated and oppressed by their own countrymen).
No person alive can of themselves unite with the Lord to the extent of which Christ, as God the Son, is one with the Father. However, for the believer, we are one in Him by His own making. In Him (and by His Spirit) we are united with both Jesus and our Father, to true service to the weary and down-trodden, to the poor and oppressed, sharing and teaching the gospel of God (John 13:34-35; 14:15-21; 17:20-2634A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34‑35)
15If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:15‑21)
20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. (John 17:20‑26)).
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not hence forth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:14-1514For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:14‑15)). To “constrain,” is literally meaning to force to such an action which would otherwise be unnatural for us. In the passage to the Corinthians previously discussed, all that Paul had enumerated upon in being troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down, there was the resounding principle in the above verses as to Christ’s love: it alone was the force which carried them through everything. It was to be both His death and life manifest in them in the preaching of the gospel, regardless of the personal cost, and to all who they would come across (2 Cor. 5:16-2116Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:16‑21)).
Suffering: Witness, and Comfort
In the Epistle to the Ephesians is another beautiful example which further illustrates the attitude we should have in our witness: “Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory” (3:13). Despite all which Paul had faced in his preaching among the Ephesians (Acts 19), even later, his becoming imprisoned as the apostle to the nations (3:1), he saw nothing but their good, their glory, in their becoming children of God. It was then for this reason, in encouraging them to “faint not,” he gives a most beautiful prayer for their blessing.
“For this cause [towards this end that they “faint not”] I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthed with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:14-2114For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14‑21)).
Thus once again, in to “faint not,” we are given the love example for the benefit of others, by the Apostle’s actions and prayers towards them. His personal sufferings were nothing to be considered in light to the blessing of the gospel upon others. In our last example in Scripture, however, the encouragement is not from Paul’s sufferings, but it is towards our willingness of “well doing.”
Everyday Well Doing
Of the epistles we’ve already explored, the use of ek-kakaeo in our last reference in 2 Thessalonians 3:1313But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13) is the exhortation, “do not lose heart in well doing.” It is not the idea previously explored, as “not to faint” in time of trial and persecution, nor is it of the idea of doing good towards others. In the context to how it is presented here, ek-kakaeo is of our everyday walk.
It is here, in Thessalonians, that Paul calls the reader’s attention to how he and his party had been careful not to behave disorderly in any manner. They lived what they taught. Not only is their walk in faith of reference, but that they worked to provide for their own material needs as well. Both aspects of purpose in being an example for those witnessing such to follow after: to quietly work and eat their bread in peace (2 Thess. 3:6-166Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:6‑16)). This is well doing.
Even if we are not someone who has been given to be on the “frontline” of service, where there is the gift of evangelism in a foreign or hostile atmosphere, nor to be as a laboring brother among the meetings, there is the witness of well doing in both our daily walk and in any service necessary to those most immediately around us. Our places of work, our neighborhoods, our trips shopping, our leisure activities—all are ground where our witness plants a seed by the behavior and attitudes we put forth. It should not be a seed that would cause one to be lazy or apathetic, nor that a non-believer would scorn the way we walk if found as hypocritical, but one which inspires those around us to the truth of the gospel word and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in all that we may do.
In all that has been discussed thus far, it is for the greater witness of what it means to be called of Christ for which we are to live. It is for Him who is our life:
Ceasing not to pray –
of our direct reliance upon the Lord;
Trials or persecution, suffering or sorrow –
let us not faint, nor turn coward inside;
Any stumble we may have taken, any fault we May have caused –
let us not give in to evil of any kind;
In our day-to-day life, the struggles of waiting upon our Lord and Savior’s return –
let us not grow weary, let us not lose heart.
Luke 18:1-81And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:1‑8) has what must certainly be a link to Proverbs 23:17-1817Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. 18For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:17‑18) – the idea being in having us in awe of the Lord all the day long, knowing that our ending in Him will come. If the unjust judge is one to avenge the widow of her enemies, certainly the Truest Judge of all mercies and love will reward those who faithfully await His return, while they yet serve Him in love in testimony of His offer of forgiving grace (Rom. 5:8-118But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Romans 5:8‑11); 2 Cor. 5:14-2114For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:14‑21); Rev. 19:1-91And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:1‑9)). Our enemies are defeated; our life is His. Our communion (koinonia, fellowship/communion) with Him is our strength to walk; it is the strength to our faith towards facing all which may come, and it is found in prayer. This is the deepest meaning to me in all the encouragement we are given to pray. It is not simply for some answer to our needs, but it is of fellowship with our Lord and Savior—it is of fellowship with our Father and His son.
I hope this is an encouragement to your spirit and soul.