Persistence Pays Off

How many times have you been backed so deep into a corner, and the Lord pulled you out?

Countless times, we humans face adversity within our lives to the point where revival seems impossible. Then, in the midst of our struggle God performs a miracle, while we look around in amazment, failing to acknowledge Truth - that He is able no matter the circumstance.

When the worst of our troubles attack us, there should only be one name that we call on for help; and, that is Jesus. Still, intoxicated by worldly enticement, many of us tend to put our faith in family, spouses, and peers, among many other things, which can not save us. We forget about God in the midst of our struggle, when it's the hard times that should draw us nearer to Him.

The Syrophoenician woman knew where to place her faith. She knew what Jesus was capable of doing. Imagine a small woman, nothing notable, just hot and tired with lines of worry deeply etched in her face. She walked miles to get to Jesus, and the disciples had the nerve to try and send her away because she was bothering them! Though, the disciples failed to recognize that the Syrophoenician woman was on a mission. It did not matter to her that Jesus was trying to rest, or that the disciples did not want her there. She refused to leave -- she couldn't. Scared for her daughter, she would not tolerate obstacles put in her way.

The woman's child was ill with spirits of anger, rage, and disobedience. When she faced Jesus (as recorded in Mark 7:24-30; Mathew 15:21-28), He responds to her request negatively, comparing her to a dog.

I know what you might be thinking, these don't sound like words from a very gracious God; however, Jesus used this lack of love and compassion to try and provoke the Syrophoenician woman to see how she would respond. Jesus could clearly recognize her good faith; thus, he tested her faith to show His disciples that non-Jews could also be faithful.

Jesus' harsh words did not deter the Syrophoenician woman from her goal. She was respectful to Him. Jesus threw out a crumb at her, and she said she would gladly take the crumb. The Syrophoenician woman had heart! She was not going to let cruel words, negativity, or haughty attitudes deny her daughter new life.

We cannot allow mere words set our faith off track. We must continue to trust and believe in the Lord that He has everything under control.

The Syrophoenician woman was persistent. She was determined within her faith in God's perpetual grace. Impressed with the Syrophoenician woman's great faith, Jesus relented. She possessed a faith that was so great that she could withstand disparaging remarks. She did not yeild, placing her trust soundly in Christ.

Like her, we cannot give up, turn around, or turn away--no matter what. Like her, we must have strong faith in Christ, Jesus.

We must persist and move obstacles out of our way!

~T$ God Bless