Karen Pourbabaee
“But she came and knelt before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ Matthew 15:25 NRSVCE
The Canaanite woman arrived amongst the crowds surrounding Jesus, shouting to Him for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter.
He remained silent.
Her heart was breaking.
Jesus’ disciples considered the story ended at that point; they were seeking rest after a tension-filled day in Jerusalem.
But her unwavering faith arose once again.
She humbled herself and came to kneel before Jesus, voicing her plea yet again.
The disciples’ dismissal of her and Jesus’ objection does not deter her.
Jesus recognized her persistent faith and rewards it.
“Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” (Matthew 15:28) Her daughter was healed instantly.
Persistent faith knows the truth and won’t let it go.
Persistent faith knows the Truth-Giver and will seek and find Him at all costs.
Perseverance will be required in all of our faith journeys.
We often simply have to wait.
Perhaps God is silent at first. His timing is always perfect.
You will know His presence and His answer when the time is right.
Humble yourself and kneel before our majestic God as the Canaanite woman did.
Ask again.
The Lord knows your heart, but wants to hear your profession of faith.
And finally, the Lord longs to be merciful.
He will reward your persistent faith.
We must live by our faith. “The just man, because of his faith, shall live.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
We must pray for its increase (Luke 17:5) and that it would not fail. (Luke 22:32)
We must “stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
We must be able to voice with Paul, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Lord, strengthen me that I may have persistent faith.
May I seize the grace to stand firm and in the end, profess like Paul, I have kept the faith! Amen.
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