Matthew 15:27

New International Version (NIV)

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Meditation

“Three years of marriage to a man I have seen and been with for only three months [within that period],” she wrote. The sound of disappointment and discouragement echoed through her words, mixed together for a dance of defeat with her. It was three forty-five in the morning, but I couldn’t put the phone away. We chatted for an hour, as I encouraged her to trust God and persevere until He brings them together. Considering her story, it seems like an impossible task; but is it really?

The prevailing stories of countless number of saints come to mind at such times. Everything was stacked against them. With nothing to hold on to but their faith, they pushed through the corridors of difficulty and opposition, rejection and failure, until victory crowned their resolve.

I can recall my wife’s story. She married a church boy and received a heavy bag of troubles and suffering to carry for ten years. She prayed her heart out, determined to make our marriage work. My salvation was her number one priority, for she knew that only a changed heart in Christ could make the difference. Her determination against divorce steadfastly stood with her for encouragement. With the support of a godly young couple, Christ took hold of my heart and settled me in the pastoral ministry, far beyond her imagination.

It’s the story of the Canaanite woman, as well as Zacchaeus and may others. It’s the story of persistence after what one desires from Christ. It will always be the story of asking, seeking, and knocking on the door of grace, with unflinching faith as anchor (Matt. 7:7). The Canaanite woman battled against racial and gender prejudice, the Lord’s silence and seemingly offensive remark, the disciples’ annoyance, her faulted religious background, and satanic opposition to receive deliverance for her demon-possessed daughter (Matt. 15:22-28). Zacchaeus scaled the mountain of hatred, his diminutive size, the crowd, and the shame of hiding in a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus and gained salvation for his tormented soul (Lk. 19:1-10). For these two and many more like them, faith, determination, and perseverance brought them the victory.

1. So, what is your story?
2. What storms are you struggling against now?
3. Are you battle-weary and almost giving up?
4. Have you considered God’s glory as the goal of your Christian journey (1 Cor. 10:31)?
5. Can you hang on for just a little while for God’s glory to dawn on you (Malachi 4:2)?

I pray you joyfully persevere through your trials, knowing that God is perfecting your faith through the crucibles of life, and in the end, you will come out as pure gold (James 1:2-4).

So: May you receive wisdom to guide you, and grace to carry you till victory embrace you before His gracious throne.

Shalom