Prayer is necessary for us to endure hardship and not faint when difficulties persist even as we pray. We must continue in prayer and not lose heart, against all odds. We know that in our weakness the strength of God is made perfect. The widow represents the weakest in a patriarchal society where power, influence and prosperity came by association with men. If a woman did not have a husband or a son, then she was marginalized and at risk of falling into poverty. Her means of survival were quite limited.

Despite the long odds that the widow was faced with in the parable, she persisted in a way that reflected the elect (chosen) of God crying out to Him day and night. The fundamental question posed by Jesus is — although God will avenge His elect speedily — will He really find faith in the earth when He comes? In other words, will we trust God? Or, will we be consumed by hardship and faint?