Persistent

We must be persistent!. I have learned from experience that “God is rarely early, but never late.” This lesson is reinforced for us in the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15.

“A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me . . . So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us’ . . . He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment” (Matthew 15:22-28).

The Canaanite woman repeatedly asked Jesus for help. Even after he had seemingly turned her away, she persisted. We can learn many things from this woman of faith.  First, Jesus’ affirmation of her faith. The message: prayers are answered when we don’t give up quickly. Second, we learn that we should not throw in the towel to quickly. When God seems to be silent or even to indicate a “No” answer, we must persist.

What is meant when Jesus says, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs?” This woman was not one of God’s chosen people. Jesus was showing us that who we are is less important than our faith. We need faith in the one who can change things. Granting her request was breaking all the rules. However, because of her faith, he did it anyway. The main lesson is “Be Persistent!”

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also see Pray Until Something Happens.