DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT The Woman & the “P” Words “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:22-28 PATIENCE. PERSEVERANCE. PERSISTENCE. Why did Jesus honor and recognize the FAITH of the woman in the Bible with the demon-possessed daughter considering she never once said, “I believe in you, Jesus!”? The Lord showed me she did not give up until Jesus answered her cries. His silence, the disciples’ advice to send her away, and then His initial refusal DID NOT STOP HER. She knew Jesus was the only answer. So she was patient. She persevered. She persisted. Then Jesus responded to her faith. When we are seeking something from the Lord that IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS WILL, we need to practice all three. PATIENCE. PERSEVERANCE. PERSISTENCE. Faith PRACTICES (a 4th “p” word) all three, doesn’t it? |