Matthew 15:28 

New International Version (NIV)

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

For Meditation

The challenges to the believer’s faith are fierce and stubborn. They’re enforced by the powers of darkness to prevent us from enjoying the blessings of our salvation. It calls for a strong determination to press on boldly through those dark corridors of anguish, desperate need, and rejection with conviction to lay hold of God’s mercy and grace through Christ Jesus (Heb. 4:16). Everything may be stacked up against you – race, color, family circumstance, background, education, the powerful forces of the evil world – but the power vault of God’s mercy and grace is open to you in Christ Jesus if you persevere to prevail.  That’s the story of everyone who has pushed through the handicaps of life to get to the Savior’s side. It’s the story of the diminutive, salvation-starved, but rich Zacchaeus (Lk. 19:1-10), the hemorrhaging woman for twelve years (43-48), and Canaanite woman with the demon possessed daughter (Matt. 15:21-28). They all persisted and braved the storms to touch the Savior’s heart for their desperate needs.

Their faith in the Savior triumphed over the challenges that confronted them. Zacchaeus defied the crowd and the shame of climbing a tree just to catch a glimpse of the glory of God in Christ Jesus. For his heart’s desire, Jesus opened the treasury of salvation to delight his heart. The bleeding woman penetrated the wall of people around Jesus to touch his garment for her healing. The Canaanite would not be deterred by the disciples’ hostility and the Lord’s seemingly offensive remark to receive deliverance for her daughter. Because, when the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table is good enough for you, He rewards you with a seat at His table. That’s the attitude of faith that prevails to receive from Him.

1. So, what is your need today?
2. What are the physical barriers, emotional abuses, and spiritual manipulations that confront you?
3. Is Christ Jesus the object of your faith?
4. Have you set your face like a flint to get to the throne of His grace?
5. Are you willing to despise the shame and abuse that may come with your resolve, and to persevere with absolute confidence in the resurrection power of the Savior?

Then brace yourself for encounters with the forces of darkness that will manifest themselves in various forms and at unexpected places to stop you. They are fierce and powerful. But the game changer is that “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” over them all (Rev. 5:5). In His victory, you are more than a conqueror (Rm. 8:37).

So, don’t give in to any hindrance. Don’t cede your spiritual territory to anyone. Let the joy of God’s manifest presence in Christ Jesus spur you on to victory for His glory.

Shalom