Matthew 15:21-23 NLT
Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”
Is your faith fleeting, or will your faith not be denied?
Persistence is a hallmark trait of someone with a truly converted heart.
The picture we have here is one of a faith that would not be denied.
We have a mother whose daughter was possessed by a demon and tormented. She cared about her daughter, and I assume she was looking for someone who could heal her daughter.
She was searching—her heartbroken daily for the suffering of her daughter.
She was looking for a savior.
A genuinely committed person is someone who will not stop; it is someone who will go to the ends of the earth until they find the solution.
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
I’m sure that when Jesus was traveling through these cities, the twelve disciples probably surrounded him. Then this woman, who had perhaps heard of the miracles of Jesus, came out knowing with undeniable confidence that He was the answer to her situation.
She was so persistent that the disciples, probably in exasperation, had to go to Jesus and asked Him to tell her to go away.
Matthew 15:24-28 NLT
Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
Finally, she could plead her case. She knew Jesus was the answer.
1. “She came and worshipped Him.” She recognized Him for who He was, the Creator and Savior.
2. She knew her place before Jesus. “Lord, help me!” Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” At first glance, this statement may be taken as unfeeling or disrespectful, but God will put us to the test to truly see where our hearts are.
3. She replied with a humble and submitted heart. “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”
4. Jesus saves and heals. “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
A true saving grace is marked by persistence.
Exodus 18:23 NLT
If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
Galatians 6:9 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
Philippians 4:13 NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
It is not our circumstance that determines our standing with God; our circumstances, good and bad, are in the sovereign hands of God. As Christian, our response should be to stand firm in our faith and live in God’s will, looking for the lesson that we need in the face of our trial with persistence.
Heavenly Father, please give me the strength and courage to stand firm in my faith in You.
I realize that You are in control and that when I keep my faith in You, Your hand will guide me.
I pray for the continued desire for Your Word and that Your Word dwells richly in my mind and that it affects my thoughts, my attitudes, and my action.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
