Matthew 15

Devotional:
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.” (Matt. 15:26-28a).

This encounter, like that portrayed in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), provides a key spiritual insight. While we should always approach the Lord with our petitions humbly and reverently, occasionally crisis situations arise, triggering feelings of urgency and desperation. In that kind of situation, it is quite natural — and in God’s merciful eyes, both understandable and permissible — to approach Him with heightened intensity. The Canaanite woman is frantic, desperate to see her daughter freed from demonic oppression, and she simply cannot accept rejection of her plea. Jesus’s seeming dismissal becomes her motivation, her test of faith: a test she meets with remarkable persistence, boldness, and tenacity. Gritty determination has its place in following Jesus.

Pray it:
Father, I confess that in my desperation, I often turn to other people and places for help. I confess that my doubts keep me from turning to you. Help me remember your goodness and kindness and to turn to you boldly and consistently in my times of trouble. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?