Persistent Faith

Have you ever struggled to have faith in a situation because you were not sure God wanted to help you? I know I have. Yet the Gentile woman in Matthew 15:21-28 never wavered. She knew Jesus could deliver her daughter and was persistent in her petition. Even when Jesus’ own words implied that He could not help her, she did not give up.

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" (Matthew 15:24-27 NLT).

What faith! Jesus is basically telling her no. However, this desperate mother persists, Jesus sees her faith, and grants her request.

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

Oh, that I could have that kind of faith! Can you even imagine what God could and would do in our lives if we would only believe?

I remember praying for people who did not know the Lord yet. I remember thinking, Do God’s promises in His Word even apply to this person? But in this story, Jesus did not look at the faith or even the possible lack thereof in the daughter who needed the miracle. He only looked at the mother petitioning Him. Let us be as determined and faithful to pray for those we know and love who need the Lord.

Mothers, fathers, and grandparents, be encouraged! God does hear you—even when it seems like He doesn’t. Press in and don’t give up.

My pastor is a prime example. He had a praying mom. When God got ahold of him, he was an alcoholic checking ID’s at a bar. She had no idea that her son would one day be her pastor, but she did not give up. I write this today to encourage all of us, including me. God hears. God sees. God is moved by faith. Trust Him—because He loves you and wants a relationship with you that goes beyond your requests and goes to the deepest parts of your heart. Press in and never give up!

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.