Faith and vulnerability met.

Most of us would do anything to protect our children and keep them safe. Yet, as we grow older, we realize we can’t prevent our children from all hurtful and painful experiences.

Now that my children are adults, I’m strapped with guilt at times as I catch sight of their struggles. Consequently, I wonder what I did wrong as a parent. What part of my earlier decisions shaped them negatively? Was it because I dragged them to the mission field as young children? Or because I returned to a low-income community where drugs and teenage pregnancies thrived? Occasionally, I feel alone and ridden with anxiety. I question if anyone else feels this way.

Many centuries ago, the Syropheonecian woman faced a dilemma like us. She felt powerless while watching her daughter’s life deteriorate. A demon possessed her daughter with a force outside her control. Perhaps this little girl suffered spiritual attack because of her mother’s involvement in a heathen practice. We don’t know, but we do observe the mother’s love when hearing her cries for help. Faith and vulnerability met.

As a woman unaccompanied by a man, the woman knew it was culturally unacceptable to speak to Jesus. But that didn’t stop her. With remarkable faith, she cried out in the street.

Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).

But she knelt at Jesus’ feet, persisting with boldness, “Lord, help me!”

It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.

~Matthew 15:26 NIV

The word for dog is not the term for junkyard dogs but for playful puppies. When Jesus told her He was there first for the Jews, she rose boldly, imploring His mercy and soliciting His good and gracious heart. She rightly reminded Him that new puppies even get a tasty tidbit from a plentiful table.

That’s why I smile as I think of my young dog as she sits intently focused on me, waiting for a salty taste of bacon from the table. How I love to watch her gobble it up and gaze for more.

Isn’t this the same attitude Jesus wants us to have toward Him? Waiting. Looking. Thirsting. Believing for whatever He provides from His hand. Puppies lovingly trust their master. Soft, innocent, vulnerable. Isn’t this like the heart of the Syropheonecian woman? How pleased Jesus was to award her, a non-Jew who displayed more faith than even the Jews whom He called to believe.

No matter our potential barrier to faith, nothing can keep Jesus’ love from us. Therefore, this is a chance to consider His generosity, extended hand of mercy, and inclusion.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 ~2 Peter 3: 9 NIV

What gracious gift do you need from the Lord? Why not ask?

Father, You are kind-hearted, loving, forgiving, and saving. Please, help me with my needs. Give me unwavering faith to believe Your Spirit of care and compassion is the same today as it was with the little demon-possessed girl. Help me stay soft-hearted and fix my eyes on You. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Faith and Vulnerability: Lynne Head: All Rights Reserved