In some instances, fear or hesitancy can be helpful. Evaluate the circumstance.
A Canaanite woman (the Syrophoenician) came out to meet Jesus. She was desperate, needing healing for her daughter. Her pain at the thought of losing her daughter was deeply profound. She paid respect to Jesus, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David.” Her daughter was possessed by a demon.
At first, Jesus didn’t answer her—not even a word. His disciples, less compassionate, begged him, “Send her away; she keeps crying after us.” Jesus explained why he was momentarily ignoring her: “I was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Still, she wasn’t satisfied. She came and knelt before him, pleading, “Lord, help me.” Their conversation was brief yet powerful. Jesus remarked, “It’s not fair to take the bread of the children and throw it to the dogs.” He was pointing out that his message and mission were to be taken first to Israel.
Yet, this woman persisted. She replied, “But Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Jesus was impressed by her unwavering faith. He responded, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it unto you as you desire.” Her daughter was healed instantly. This passage clearly shows that the healing was directly connected to her steadfast belief.
Another example is the healing of the deaf mute, as Jesus traveled to the Sea of Galilee. This man could not hear and had a speech impediment. Jesus’ compassion moved him to act. Those who brought the man to Jesus showed faith by trusting that Jesus could heal him.
Jesus used a form of sign language, placing his fingers in the man’s ears, then spitting and touching the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and said, “Be opened.” The man’s ears were opened, his tongue released, and he could speak plainly. His healing was visible proof of faith in action—and the divine compassion of Christ.
What message can we take from Jesus’ many healings?
Consider the Roman military officer whose servant was near death. Humbly, he approached Jesus, saying, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” His servant was healed at that very moment. Abiding faith heals.
Or think of Peter’s mother-in-law. Jesus came, took her by the hand, lifted her up, and the fever left her. She immediately began to serve them. Again—it’s all about faith.
Paralytics walked. The deaf and blind were healed. The woman with the hemorrhage believed, “If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well.” Jesus affirmed, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
What, then, can we say to these things? “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Time after time, Jesus tells us: Have faith. Only believe. Faith moves mountains and obstacles.
Without faith, it is impossible to please the Lord. We believe, even when there are no visible signs of the miracle coming. Don’t keep wondering if it will happen—hold on. It will happen.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043. For information, call 323-293-9826 or visit www.todaysfreshstart.org, Ask Dr. Jeanette TM “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Questions? Errors? Let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. References: The Holy Bible, Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16. Don’t stop praying and hoping. “Today is another great day to do good and to be successful.”
