Called Into Her Day

Matthew 15: 21-28 tells us how a . . . read more

Gentile women showed her faith. Her daughter was demon-possessed and she was crying out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus said, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” God’s plan was to offer the gospel to Israel first -- to save the Jews first, and then to save Gentiles (Romans 1: 16 EXP). The gospel was not opened to the Gentiles until the Holy Spirit gave Peter a vision and said,  “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean” (Acts 10: 15 NLT). This mother could not wait for that day to come; she worshiped Him and begged for help. Still not willing to help, Jesus said, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” Not being offended the mother replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”  For this statement Jesus praised her for her great faith and granted her desire. This mother’s determination and faith called something into her day that the Father was reserving for a future date.

I believe this is an example of the Holy Spirit revealing something about the Father. That if we live by a faith that truly pleases God [Hebrews 11: 6] we can call into our day -- have, enjoy, live in -- what is reserved for us. That’s exciting! Now, I know that Scripture teaches that patience is a virtue and that waiting on God renews our strength. I know that sometimes He shows up at the eleventh hour and that His timing is always perfect. I also know that God is not our butler, that we can order around. But I also know that if faith can move a mountain, then bold faith -- persistent faith (Luke 18: 1-8) -- will move God. It did for this mother. What do you have need of today?