SOAP: Keep worshipping and pleading

Scripture:  Matthew 15:25, 28

But she came and worshipped him and pleaded again, “Lord, help me!”

“Woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

Observation: This woman would not stop begging and asking Jesus to heal, even though Jesus and his disciples asked her to go away. And then Jesus saw her deep faith and healed her daughter.

Application: As I was reading this passage (Matthew 15: 21-28) I had to re-read it when I heard Jesus turning her away. That was not what I expected to read. But after he told her he would not heal, she worshipped and pleaded again. And her request was granted.

I think God wants us to ask and ask for the big stuff that even looks hopeless. He wants to know what we truly think of him.. is he big enough to make any change? Yes! And he wants to know we really know that.

Prayer: Lord, you know my true heart. Forgive me for not praying with gusto and full belief. Sometimes when I ask things of you I build a disclaimer right in there. Please stop me from doing that. Stop me from doubting. I have heard many a story of miraculous things done by you and yet I know I still hold back.

You are the almighty! You are the all-knowing, all-capable, amazing ruler and creator of the universe. Forgive me for questioning even as I present my petitions. Forgive me when I ask, but still question if you’ll really grant my request.

Please, Lord, guide me out of this place and into complete faith and trust. You alone are worthy.

Thank you for stories like this one in Matthew, that encourage me to keep praying, to stick it out, to wonder what grand things you would change, if we would just ask.

Give me courage and faith to ask for a complete removal of evil in this world… a banishment of pain and suffering. Now. Help us all to unite and cry out to you and bring about real change and real worship, real thanks for your love and forgiveness and no more Satan.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to approach you this way, in complete honesty, even with my questions.