It’s nice when a simple request allows our needs to be met. And even better when we’re provided for without even asking, and perhaps before we even knew what we needed ourselves. But sometimes we must have the faith and persistence of squeaky wheels – crying out night and day until we receive our oil of blessing.
Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow – who kept pleading to the judge until she received the justice she sought. And this is given as a model of faith for us to follow as well.
To be sure, there are those that complain about everything without merit. And their nagging has more to do with their own immature selfishness than any true goodness. It’s tempting then to not ask for what we need out of a fear of appearing similarly immature, weak, and desperate. And maybe it’s also just pure exhaustion from having to repeat ourselves that we stop asking. Whatever the case, it seems few of us are willing to keep faithfully squeaking.
But our squeaking becomes an act of faith when we’re seeking the good God has for us.
For instance, we keep bringing attention to issues at work that open the door for us to do the work that matters with fair compensation. In marriage, we keep important issues on the table until we find a meaningful resolution. And, likewise, we keep speaking up in our communities until we see the light of God’s love dawning.
Whatever it looks like, we’re willing to be a squeaking wheel to bring more life and goodness into the world. It’s easy for important matters to be lost in the darkness of distractions and eventually fade from memory when we don’t. Our squeaking keeps them in the light.
In the end, nagging does little good. But there is a place to faithfully be a squeaking wheel – persistently bringing attention to what matters.
Photo by Andrea Proietti on Unsplash
