Persistent Faith

In Matthew's gospel, a Canaanite woman approached Jesus with a desperate plea for her daughter who was possessed by a demon. Jesus initially responded with reluctance, saying that he was sent only for the Jews and it was not right to give their bread to the dogs. However, the woman persisted and responded with great faith, saying that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table. Jesus was impressed with her unwavering faith and granted her request, healing her daughter.

Despite being an outsider, this woman did not let any obstacles stop her from receiving what she needed from Jesus. He initially refused to answer her, then made it clear that his mission was not for Gentiles, and even called her a dog. However, she did not give up and continued to cry out for mercy. She focused on her need for healing and deliverance, rather than what she deserved.

As a result of her faith, Jesus answered her prayer and granted her request. We can also receive blessings from God if we shift our focus from what we think we deserve to what He can do for us. We should ask ourselves, what do we need from God today? If an outsider like the Canaanite woman can receive healing and deliverance from Jesus, how much more can we, who are already a part of God's family, receive from Him? He wants to help us and answer our prayers.

PRAYER: “Oh Mighty Father, who is like unto You; who provides all my needs even before I ask. Today, I ask that help me, that no riches will make me ever forget myself, and no lack will ever make me forget You. Let no hope or fear, no pleasure or pain, no accident without, no weakness within, or whatsoever make me anxious or turn my heart from Your grace. Help me remember that You are source now and forever, in Jesus name. Amen!” 

BIBLE READING: MARK 14:12-31, 2 COR 13, PSALMS 109, 2 SAMUEL 5-7