Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:31-37, Matthew 15:29-31, Mark 8:1-10, Matthew 15:32-16:4, Mark 8:11-21, Matthew 16:5-12
In most cases I probably am too proud to beg. I would much rather be the one helping than the one who needs help. I hate feeling like I’m inconveniencing someone.
Today’s reading reminded me of a time when “the classroom of life” put me in a place where I had to ask for help, accept kindness, support, and assistance from others on many occasions. I remember praying and tell the Lord that I would rather “minister to” than “be ministered to.”
He said, “I had to learn both.”
How do you feel about asking for help?
In Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus was visiting a Gentile area, when a Canaanite woman begged him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus responded first with silence, and then declared that his mission was only to Israel (15:24). When the woman continued to seek his help, he stressed again that his mission was to Jews only. When she still persisted, he commended her faith and granted her healing.
Here are a few things I noticed about the Canaanite woman:
- She found Jesus when He was trying His best to remain hidden (Mark 7:24)
- She was persistent (v. 25)
- She expected a miracle (v. 21)
- She worshiped in the midst of her pain and travail before the Lord (v.25)
- She ignored tradition and acted on what she knew about Jesus
- She knew her worth as a human being and believed she was deserving of a miracle, because the crumbs from Jesus are better that the food on the table from the world (v.27)
- She displayed her faith with her actions and words
Are you this persistent when you need a miracle, an answer, or comfort from the Lord?
How would your situation change if “just for today” you found the determination of the Canaanite woman and made up your mind:
- To do whatever it takes to find Jesus
- To determine to “Not” give up
- To REALLY expect Jesus to answer your prayer
- To worship Him because He is God and is worthy of worship
- To believe that Jesus came, died on the cross for you too, not just other people
- To verbalize your faith in Jesus’ power to act on your behalf
Heavenly Father, have mercy on us. We worship You and thank you for being our Savior. Strengthen our faith today.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Mark 8:22-30, Matthew 16:13-20, Luke 9:18-20, Mark 8:31-9:1, Matthew 16:21-28, Luke 9:21-27, Mark 9:2-13, Matthew 17:1-13, Luke 9:28-36
I ain’t too proud to beg! Great word Dianne.
I’m with you Jeff!