POWER-PACKED CRUMBS
We can never underestimate the importance of faith in our Christian life. It affects our prayer life, our victory over sin, our worship and our trust when going through difficult times. It is key to our spiritual warfare as well. I think of the Canaanite woman who came to Jesus because her daughter was demonized (Matthew 15:21-28). Jesus told her that His ministry was for the children of Israel, they were the ones who were fed at God’s table of blessing. She picked up on the word picture and pointed out that sometimes crumbs fell from that table and the dogs were allowed to feed on them (Matthew 15:27). She is recognizing that she is an undeserving unworthy ‘dog’ but will be satisfied with even a crumb of His mercy. Her faith was such that she realized that even just a crumb from Jesus would free her daughter from demonic possession. Jesus honored that faith and freed her daughter. I like that. It takes just a crumb of Jesus’ power to cast out demons. If we believe that by faith we will have His crumbs seen in our lives as well.
Faith isn’t a condition to meet to earn/deserve God’s work in our life. It isn’t something we must produce to enable Him to do what we want Him to do. Faith is trusting that He is always able to do what we want, but it is also trusting Him to do what He knows is best even when that means NOT doing what we want. Faith is trusting Him to do what He knows is best for His glory and our growth. Faith that leaves the choice to Him will never be disappointed. Faith that believes even a crumb from Him will be all we need won’t be disappointed.
Matthew 15: 27-28 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
How is your faith? Do you look for great, supernatural and highly emotional responses from God? or are you content with crumbs from His table knowing they are great enough to who whatever He knows is best for you? Where do you need some crumbs applied to your life right now?
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization