Never mess with a Mom on a mission. A determined mother will do whatever it takes to get to Jesus and ask for what Her child needs most. (Today’s post is written by Lori Wildenberg, co-founder of “1 Corinthians 13 Parenting” ministry and the author of five books on parenting.)
The anonymous Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-28) knew what she needed. She knew only Jesus could answer her prayer and she was determined to do whatever it took to get to Him. She was persistent.
She was a mom on a mission.
Her name isn’t given, but it doesn’t need to be because…she is every mother. She is you. She is me.
“Lord, son of David, have mercy on me!” She cried out.
She was in agony. Like any mama, she was physically experiencing her child’s misery. “My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Or… “My child is suffering terriblyfrom a broken relationship, an illness, an injury….”
She would not be discouraged or dissuaded, even though the disciples urged the Lord to send her away. At the very least, this Gentile woman was distracting, annoying. The men whined, “She keeps crying after us.” That motley crew of twelve was not going to get in her way. (Never mess with a determined mother.) She knew who and what she needed. This mom persisted in her humble and honest cries that come from a broken heart.
But Jesus…He was quiet.
Waiting is the Hardest Part for a Mom on a Mission
Isn’t that the hardest part? We cry out, beg, chase after him on behalf of our children…and He is quiet. She needed what only Jesus could provide. She was not about to leave His presence empty-handed.
Even when Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” she didn’t give up. Instead of tossing her arms in the air and stomping off, she came closer and knelt before Him.
“Lord, help me!” She knew with Him, nothing was impossible.
“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” He continued to test her faith.
“Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” She continued to respond with tenacity and in spite of the circumstances…even a little spunk!
“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” The Lord healed her daughter that very hour.
I believe the unnamed Canaanite woman’s faith and the disciples’ faith strengthened at that time as well.
Waiting Deepens our Faith
Having faith when things are difficult is …well…difficult. I’ve been there. I suspect I’ll be there again. When my children hurt, I hurt. Like the Canaanite mother, I want to pursue Jesus and to be near Him when I persistently petition on my kids’ behalf. And like the Canaanite mom- I know I will be heard, I may need to wait, and I will definitely need to trust. And while I wrestle in prayer my faith will deepen in the waiting and persevering space.
Let’s Talk: Have you ever experienced that waiting space? Or maybe you’re there now? How can you persist in your determination to keep your need before Jesus?
Lori Wildenberg, mom of four, is passionate about helping families build connections that last a lifetime. She’s co-founder of “1 Corinthians 13 Parenting” ministry, lead mentor mom with the Moms Together Facebook Community, national speaker, and parent coach. Lori has written five parenting books. (You may also like this guest post by Lori: “7 Mountain Moving Prayers to Pray for Your Kids.”
What a word for this “determined mom on a mission”! 6 months ago my 32 year old precious daughter, stay-at-home mom of a 16 mos and 36 mos old toddlers was diagnosed with Lupus! She has not been able to drive since then due to the disease attaching her vision, losing her hair related to the immunosuppressant drugs, loss of weight on an already thin frame and on and on the adverse events go on and on! Of course I have ask God many times for healing and am editing! Not always patiently but finally remembering “in His time”! But, my persistence continues, and praise God, we are seeing healing come to this precious, never complains woman of God! With all my rambling, I praise God for your post and your wonderful word Kathy! You are a blessing to me and a woman after Gods heart! May our Lord continue to bless you and your ministry! In Him, Sandra
Sandra, thank you for sharing your story with us! You are a determined Mom and Grandmother! May God bring full and complete healing to your daughter!
SO GOOD!!!!!
My son is is an addict and I pray that he finds the Lord or the Lord will touch him. He has many physical ailments and right now back in the hospital for the 3rd time this month. I am weary and pray for strength from my Lord. Yes Ii am a mom on a mission. Thanks for sharing this message
Oh Jackie, I am so sorry about your son’s struggles. I know that must break your momma’s heart! Lord, I pray for this much-loved son right now. Father, restore him completely – physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. Make him fully Yours. And comfort and strengthen Jackie now. Give her the wisdom and guidance she needs to best help her son.