A Mom on a Mission (Plus Give-Away)

A Mom on a Mission 

from  Matthew 15:21-28 (Plus Give-Away)

The anonymous Canaanite woman knew what she wanted. She knew only he could answer her prayer. She was determined to have her request granted. She was persistent.

She was a mom on a mission.

Her name isn’t given, but it doesn’t need to be because…she is every mother. She is you. She is me.

“Lord, son of David, have mercy on me!” She cried out.

She was in agony. Like any mama, she was physically experiencing her child’s misery. “My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Or… “My child is suffering terribly from a broken relationship, an illness, an injury….”

She would not be discouraged or dissuaded, even though the disciples urged The Lord to send her away. At the very least, this Gentile woman was distracting, annoying. The men whined, “She keeps crying after us.” That motley crew of twelve was not going to get in her way.  (Never mess with a determined mother.) She knew who and what she needed. This mom persisted in her humble and honest cries that come from a broken heart.

But Jesus…he was quiet.

Isn’t that the hardest part? We cry out, beg, chase after him on behalf of our children…and he is quiet. She needed what only Jesus could provide. She was not about to leave his presence empty-handed.

Even when Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” she didn’t give up. Instead of tossing her arms in the air and stomping off, she came closer and knelt before him.

“Lord, help me!”  She knew with him, nothing was impossible.

“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” He continued to test her faith.

“Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” She continued to respond with tenacity and in spite of the circumstances…even a little spunk!

“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” The Lord healed her daughter that very hour.

I believe the unnamed Canaanite woman’s faith and the disciples’ faith strengthened at that time as well.

Having faith when things are difficult is …well…difficult. I’ve been there. I suspect I’ll be there again. When my children hurt, I hurt.  Like the Canaanite mother, I want to pursue Jesus and to be near him when I persistently petition on my kids’ behalf. And like the Canaanite mom— I know I will be heard, I may need to wait and I will definitely need to trust. 

And while I wrestle in prayer my faith will deepen in the waiting and persevering space.

by,
Lori Wildenberg 

About the 1 Corinthians 13 Parent Series:

In 1 Corinthians 13, there are 15 different attributes of love. My co-author, Becky Danielson and I have written two books focused on living and raising kids with these attributes; one book for parents of toddlers to nine-years-old (Raising Little Kids with Big Love) and one for parents of tweens-young adults (Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love)  . These books were recently published and can be found on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.

This month we are launching our book series and Sharing the LOVE by offering over $400 worth of prizes. To be eligible for the free gifts: books, jewelry, or parent coaching just leave a comment on this blog or on any 1Corinthians13Parenting.com post during the month of February.