Out of love for her daughter, she kept pleading for Jesus to expel the demon that was tormenting the girl. She overcame the objections of his disciples and even the seeming rejection of Jesus himself. In the end, he congratulated her for having such great faith, and gave her exactly what she had asked for.
This isnt the first example we find in Scripture of God appearing to change his mind. After Moses pleaded with him not to punish the Israelites for their disobedience, God decided to have mercy on them (Exodus 32:14). When Jonah preached to the Ninevites, they listened, and God repented of his judgment (Jonah 3:10). In each case, there was no attempt to make God do anythingonly sincere and heartfelt prayer.
All of us haveor will havesituations in our lives that seem completely hopeless. Yet they can change! We should never despair of asking the Lord to intervene, even when our prayers contradict what appears to be his direction. This is especially true if, like the Canaanite woman, we are motivated by concern for others. God longs to be merciful to us, but sometimes hes waiting for our prayerful openness so that he can pour out his love according to his wisdom.
Why not make a request of the Lord right now? Think about something youve prayed a long time foror maybe given up praying for. Then, ask the Lord to move in that situation, and confidently expect that he will do so. Dont give up. Keep on praying, just as this Canaanite woman did. Your answer may be just around the corner. You may even change Gods mind! No matter what happens, rely on him to do whats best. He wont let you down!
Jesus, I trust this situation to your unfailing love. You are my refuge and my stronghold. Help me to look beyond my circumstances to see your mighty power!
Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8; Romans 11:13-15,29-32