“Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment” – Matthew 15:28 – New International Version.

“You have great faith.” These are only four words, but they were enough to enshrine a Canaanite woman as one of the greatest mothers of all time. These words were not spoken to Peter, John, or James, but Jesus said it to this nameless mother from outside the house of Israel! It is the only thing you can do, Scripture asserts what impresses Jesus – have faith. Her story is not long, but it reveals a great deal about a mother’s love, about faith, and about grace.

Jewish rabbis prayed every morning, “God, thank You that I am not a Gentile, a dog, or a woman,” but Jesus was a rabbi who crossed the gender divide. Still, the disciples didn’t have much patience in dealing with women, or children – or Gentiles in general. We are guilty of that in the church. You think that some people are worth your time and others are not. The mother was driven not only by her desperation and her love, but also her vision. She saw in Jesus a compassion that would not turn her away. The measure of your faith is conditioned by what you see in Jesus Christ.

This mother refused to be put off or be intimidated. She was not going to take criticism, rebuke, or silence as an answer. She didn’t perceive Jesus’ silence as indifference. Satan’s greatest tool is to whisper messages of despair in the spiritual ear of every believer in distress as he or she waits on an answer from God. Nothing would cause the mother to turn back from the blessing that she knew Jesus had the power to give. She let her need speak for itself. She fell at His feet and cried, “Lord, help me!” That is the essence of a mother’s love.

When Jesus responded to this mother, she didn’t burst into tears and walk away. Instead, she gave Jesus an answer that must have excited Him! No wonder Jesus replied, “Woman, you have great faith.” It is no wonder that, from that moment, her daughter was made whole. Every obstacle and opposition you face may be conquered by faith.

Don’t despair when faced with a problem. Cross the barriers that are temporarily blocking you and come over to Jesus. Persist in your belief, even if you are trying to raise your child alone. Receive His grace, which He offers freely to all who will approach Him in true humility. Over and over the Gospels tell of His power to resurrect and restore. Don’t give up and don’t let anyone stop you from getting your blessing!