When we invest our time learning Scripture and what it teaches about God, as well as what it means as it transforms our lives, it prompts the reader to notice a striking contrast between the world’s way of striving [struggling to reach what is temporarily perceived as good but elusive] and God’s Kingdom way of thriving [resting and trusting in the eternal goodness and sufficiency of the ever-present Christ]. These are two very different viewpoints; yet, both having the potential to steer or direct our lives. Jesus came to offer human beings spiritual life and the opportunity to thrive [breaking forth and growing stronger] (John 10:10). Our perspective makes all the difference. Are we striving or thriving?
For the believer, it is in Christ we live, move, and exist (Acts 17:28). Therefore, we should not only notice these striking opposites, but actually experience the physical, emotional, and spiritual difference Christ makes in our lives. We belong to Christ and we commit ourselves to feed on the truth, walk in his integrity, and radiate his character as we trust in God. He is “Jehovah Jireh”—the LORD will provide!
Jesus is God’s finest provision for us; our Father has promised to meet our needs, as well as bring the resources for growing and thriving. According to God’s Word, the righteous [those who place their faith in Christ’s righteousness] can thrive in every season because God is faithful even in times of adversity (Ps 92:12-13). We are saved by grace through faith for the glory of our God! (Eph 2:8). The Apostle Paul announces to the church in Philippi, “I have learned the secret of living in every situation…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:12-13). Paul is thriving!
In our passage today, Jesus encounters a non-jewish woman and mother of a young girl striving to overcome a demon—evil spirit. Even in her present unbelieving state, this mother recognizes that Jesus is the promised Christ and, by faith, she presses in for the grace [Bread or spiritual sustenance] his presence provides to bring her daughter from striving to thriving, “Lord, help me!” (Mat 15:25). Jesus is moved with compassion to feed—just as he was with Israel in the wilderness—even though his disciples are weary. Faith in Christ heals, blesses, and grows lives. Christ wants his followers to learn the secret of living strong in every situation…
Matthew 15:21-31 NLT The Faith of a Gentile Woman
21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”
23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”
24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”
25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”
26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”
28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for healing our souls from the work of evil by bringing new life to our spirits. You are so compassionate; you never turn a worshiper away. You offer refreshing relief in order to help us thrive in a world that seeks to diminish and destroy the truth. Develop within us great faith and help us to discover the secret of living and thriving in every situation. We believe truth leads the way to Kingdom life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.