Faith

I am loving this story from Matthew today and wanted to share.

A woman came pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely. But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”...... “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

Matt 15:21-28

This story reminds me of these verses:

James 5:16- the prayer of a person right with God is powerful and effective

Matt 7:7-8 Ask and it shall be given to you...for everyone who asks receives

Matt 17:26 you have faith as small as a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you

And the story of the persistent widow: (one of my favs!) 

Luke 18:6-8 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

The original language definition of "Faith" in Matthew 15 from the story about the woman begging for Jesus to heal her daughter is: 

a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.., the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same

the character of one who can be relied on (from studylight.org)

I love the part of this definition that says, "the character of someone who can be relied on." I don't know about you, but I am begging The Lord these days for some pretty significant things. It is comforting to know that He hears my persistent prayers and is in the business of answering the prayers of His people. I know that even if He decides not to grant my requests, I can trust Him. His character, His will, the sum of His decisions for my life can be relied on. This doesn't deter me from asking but puts my heart at a place of peace as I realize no matter what happens it is for my good and God's ultimate glory. (Rom 8:28)