The woman came and knelt before [Jesus], “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” ~ Matthew 15:25-28
A woman came to Jesus because her daughter was suffering terribly from demon-possession. Some might say she was desperate. She was willing to try anything for the sake of her daughter. Some might also say she was determined. Nothing was going to stop her, not even Jesus’ first response. Still, others might say she was devoted. She put her complete trust in what Jesus could do.
Do I wait until I am desperate before I approach the Lord in prayer? Do I conclude I might as well give it a try because there is nowhere else to turn? Do I approach Jesus with sheer determination–do I pray and pray hoping the Lord yields to my way of thinking? Or, am I devoted to Jesus and have faith to believe whatever his answer is, it will be for my good?
It was faith for which the woman was commended. Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith!” I need to approach Jesus with that same faith, devotion, and trust. Anything less than that will leave me open to disappointment. Worse yet, it will give the devil an opportunity to deceive me and try to turn me away from the Lord.
The source of this much-needed devotion is belief in Jesus’ precious saving work–his life, death and resurrection–to save me from eternal torment, and give me instead a glorious home with him in Heaven forever.
Without faith through the Holy Spirit, I would never have the confidence or the desire to pray. Neither would I have any reason to trust God’s answer. However, since Jesus lived, died and rose for me, I know he has committed himself to me for time and for eternity. This is why I am devoted to Jesus, my Lord and my Savior.
O precious Savior and my Helper in every time of need, give me faith to come to you in prayer. Then give me faith to trust you will answer my prayer according to your good and gracious will. Amen.
Living Hope Church 