Great Faith

The Faith of a Gentile Woman is the subheading title in my Bible for Matthew 15:21-28. This is the account of a Gentile woman whose daughter was demon-possessed. The mother, recognizing Jesus and His authority, knew He was the only way her daughter would receive healing from the evil spirit.  

She persistently approached Jesus, seeking healing for her daughter. However, Jesus notes that He “was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24 NLT) Jesus had come to offer salvation and healing to the Jewish people; this was a promise told centuries prior through King David (2 Samuel 7). But the Gentile woman persisted. She continued to worship Him (v. 25). She had such great faith that Jesus was who He said He was; she firmly and insistently believed He could deliver her daughter. 

The woman tells Jesus that even the dog that begs at the family dinner table gets the scraps, so why wouldn’t she—a Gentile—be able to partake in the blessing and promises of God’s chosen people?

Jesus acknowledges this woman’s great faith and heals her daughter. He admires her faith and grants her daughter’s deliverance because of it. What a powerful story of faith and God’s favor on those who love Him. 

My husband has unexplainable neuropathy on the entire left side of his face that has progressed into his arms and legs over the last 10 years. He’s seen numerous types of medical doctors, functional medicine doctors, holistic practitioners, homeopaths, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. No one knows what’s causing the issue. 

While my husband is not demon-possessed, I empathize with the woman whose daughter was. To watch someone, whom you love dearly, walk through a challenging season and be unable to help them is defeating. 

This woman’s faith is so encouraging to me as I continue to pray and seek healing for him on this side of heaven. I’m sure of God’s promises, and I believe that God will restore and redeem what is broken in this world. I trust that His timing is not my timing. My husband’s healing could come today, in heaven, or when Jesus returns—whatever His will is for his life.

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. (Matthew 15:28)

Matthew 15:28 reminds believers to pray with uninhibited faith. Trust in God’s promises. He says in John 10:10 that we will have abundant life in Christ. Believe that He is the great Healer and the great Provider. 

Jesus, thank You for going before us and making a way for us to be reconciled with God. Your works have afforded us great promises and victory. Thank You! Thank You for being our great Healer, Provider, and Comforter. We ask that You heal our bodies, heal our minds, heal the brokenness within us. We ask this over our family, friends, and loved ones. We trust that You have great plans for those who love You according to Your great plan. We ask for Your miraculous healing in Your mighty and precious name. Amen. 

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.