The Woman Who Wouldn't Take NO for an Answer
There was an amazing woman who lived just north of Israel during the time of Christ. We don’t know her name but we do know that she literally pulled Christ into another age – one not yet available to most people of her time – one that released an unexpected miracle into her life. Let me explain…
Jesus had a plan. That plan was to focus His ministry upon Israel. Although He knew the time would come to offer salvation to the Gentiles (like this woman), that time had not yet come. In fact, that time would not happen until after Jesus had died, rose again and ascended into heaven. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, salvation was only for the Jews – period!
However, this amazing woman was able to fast forward the plan of God, speed up time and bring Jesus into her season. She didn’t have time to wait. Her daughter was ill and ready to die. She needed her miracle NOW!
The exchange took place in Matthew 15:21-28. Although it seemed that Jesus was ignoring her and not willing to answer her request for healing, she would not give up. She was relentless. She wouldn’t take NO for answer.
Her persistence eventually paid off. Jesus was amazed at her tenacious faith and granted her miracle – even though He told her earlier in the conversation that it was not time yet for Gentiles to receive the blessings of the Kingdom of God. She was able to singlehandedly usher in a new dispensation of the Kingdom of God earlier than anticipated. She got what she needed because she would not let any obstacle stand in her way!
In honor of Mother’s Day, I offer this woman as an example of what you can do for you and your family. In order to get what you need, you will have to overcome many of the same obstacles. Although we know that God loves us and is willing to answer our prayers, we must not forget that there are many adversaries that want to hinder us and keep us in lack. There are four obstacles in particular that stand out to me in the passage. Read it and see if you can find these obstacles to overcome – then determine in your heart today not to let them hold you back from your miracle.
OBSTACLE #1: Overcoming God’s Delays V-23a
OBSTACLE #2: Overcoming the Opinions of Others V-23b
OBSTACLE #3: Overcome What Other People Get V-24
OBSTACLE #4: Overcome Feelings of Unworthiness V-26
Here are some related scriptures for further study:
Luke 18:1-8: “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: ‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ Then the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’”
Hebrews 6:12: “…but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Romans 8:31-34: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
John 21:20-22: “Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following…Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”