Increase My Faith

 

 Matthew 15:21-28

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

²¹ Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. ²² A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

²³ Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

²⁴ He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

²⁵ The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

²⁶ He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

²⁷ “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

As we reread this familiar story, the faith and persistence of the Canaanite woman leap out at us.  She would not give up nor take no for an answer.  What boldness, what faith! Where do I stand in comparison with her? Do I believe that God is with me, knows my needs and plans and will guide me through what seems an impossible maze? Let today be devoted to increasing my faith with God's help as I look at all I hope to accomplish today and in the week ahead.  

Dear God, increase my faith. Amen.