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. 

Caught by His Holiness

Friends,
Today I have the pleasure of having friend and author Kathy Howard guest blog. Enjoy!
Lori 

Caught by His Holiness

Who among the gods is like you, Lord? 

Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? 

Exodus 15:11 

The power of the ocean surprised me. I had heard stories of rogue waves, dangerous currents, and destructive tsunamis, but I had never experienced them. That was before the Pacific caught me in its pull.

Our family was vacationing on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. We rented boogie boards earlier in the day and I eagerly wanted to try mine out. When we hit the beach, I didn’t hesitate. I jumped right in and paddled out to catch the waves. Unfortunately, by the time I realized they were breaking too far out for boogie boarding, I was in over my head. So with my upper body on the small board, I began to kick my way back to the beach.

Despite my efforts I couldn’t make any progress. In fact, after several minutes of trying I was farther away from the beach and farther down the shoreline. The board was strapped to my wrist so I let it trail behind me and began to swim. I swam until I was exhausted and swallowing water, but I was even farther from shore.

Powerless against the riptide, all I could do was cling to the board and holler for help. My dear husband, who came quickly to my side atop his own boogie board, talked me through riding out the current. Soon we were safely on the beach.

That experience gave me new respect for the ocean. I had heard of its power, but without first-hand knowledge I treated the water too casually. My new attitude does not prevent me from enjoying the ocean, but I approach it differently than I did before. The personal encounter with its power changed everything.

Likewise, intellectual assent to the holiness of God is not the same as personal experience. 

We can mentally agree to the truth that God is holy, but when we come face to face with His holiness we are forced to respond. 

But how will we respond? Will we offer our holy God the holy life He deserves?

In what ways could an encounter with God’s absolute holiness reshape and deepen your relationship with Him?

Kathy writes to keep busy while drinking coffee and eating chocolate. She helps women live an unshakable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on God no matter life’s circumstances. Find out about more: www.kathyhoward.org

Kathy Howard’s new book, Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, helps readers discover a deeper intimacy with God through a life of holiness. This six-week, interactive Bible study explores why believers should pursue holiness and guides readers through practical steps to pursuing a holy life.