When Faith Becomes Personal
Knowing Who to Go To
As women, we often know exactly who to go to when we need help. If I need a new dress for a special occasion, I’m not going to the teenage cashier at the local boutique – I’m going straight to the owner or the buyer. They have the expertise and authority to truly help me. Similarly, if I need a new fitness plan, I’m not going to randomly try equipment at the gym and hope for the best – I’m going to seek out the trainer or the gym owner for their guidance and expertise.
Yet, when it comes to our faith, we often don’t approach it with the same intentionality. We treat our relationship with God as an option, rather than the most important thing in our lives. We should be lining up at the door of the Lord, eager to spend time with Him, serve Him, and seek His will. Instead, we often relegate our faith to the back burner, only turning to God when it’s convenient.
The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 shows us a different way. She knew exactly who to go to in her time of need – the Lord Jesus Christ. She didn’t hesitate or delay, but immediately went to Him, pleading for mercy. Her faith was personal and urgent. Do we approach our faith with that same fervor and determination?
Knowing What to Ask For
The Canaanite woman didn’t just know who to go to, she also knew what to ask for – mercy. She didn’t demand that Jesus fix her daughter’s problem or give her what she thought she deserved. Instead, she humbly begged for mercy, recognizing that she didn’t deserve anything, but was relying solely on the grace and compassion of the Lord.
How often do we approach God with that same attitude? We can be quick to demand what we think we deserve, or to ask for things that we want, without considering whether they are truly in line with God’s will. The Canaanite woman understood the difference between grace and mercy – grace is getting what we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting what we do deserve.
When we face difficulties in our lives, do we cry out for God’s mercy, trusting that He knows what is best for us? Or do we try to take matters into our own hands, expecting God to give us what we want, when we want it? The Canaanite woman’s example shows us the power of humble, persistent faith.
Refusing to Give Up
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the Canaanite woman’s story is her refusal to give up, even in the face of Jesus’ apparent rejection. When Jesus initially ignored her, and then seemed to call her a “dog,” she didn’t back down or give up. Instead, she persisted, boldly declaring her faith and her need for the Lord’s help.
How often do we give up too easily, when the answers to our prayers don’t come as quickly as we’d like? The Canaanite woman’s faith was personal and unwavering. She knew that Jesus was her only hope, and she was determined to receive the mercy and healing she so desperately needed.
In our own lives, we may face countless storms and challenges that tempt us to throw in the towel. But the Canaanite woman’s example reminds us that our faith should be just as personal and persistent. We serve a God who delights in our faith, and who will not let us down, even when the answers don’t come as quickly as we’d like.
As we face the difficulties and uncertainties of life, may we learn from the Canaanite woman’s example. May we know who to go to, what to ask for, and may we refuse to give up, no matter what obstacles come our way. For our God is faithful, and He will see us through, if we but trust in Him with all our hearts.