Persisting in Prayer for Prodigals

“A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” Matthew 15:22, 23(NIV)

What do I do when Jesus does not answer? I keep praying. I don’t give up. I persist because I believe that Jesus is good, that He’s kind, and that He is moved by unfathomable compassion that churns within Him like a volcano and has to flow out in acts of mercy. Jesus cares. It is not His nature to turn such women, as in the above story, away. If He does not answer, it’s not that He’s ignoring me or not caring or not able. He is more than able. He can cast out any demon, heal any brain deficit, speak to the core of any lost soul and raise them from the dead. He is good. He is always totally good, spilling over with compassion and bursting with more power than I need. And so, if He does not answer, I keep asking because my persistence honors Him. It shows I believe He is who He says He is. I trust Him. I choose to reject anxiety and hopelessness, and I cling to Jesus’ generous love for me, love that cannot be contained—it has to give.

“The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said… Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:25, 28(NIV)

Today I choose to trust you LORD. I keep asking because You are my God and you love me and I believe You answer prayer.