“But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” Yet He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:25-26).
Our Lord knows everything. He is not being rude, but He knows what it will take to get her to come out of herself and live by faith. Sometimes He will do that with us. He is always gracious and always kind. What our Lord does for us is to call us out of ourselves and into faith. The Lord is serious about making us into children of God. He will do what it takes to lead us in the way of truth.
Lord, I often do not like it when You do something that challenges me. Help me to move beyond myself and get to the place where I willingly do as You command. Unlike the world, You are trustworthy. You will lead me in the way I need to go. I may not like it at first, but it will be what is needed. Guide me always that I may live in the hope You give me through faith in You.
Holy Spirit, when I am resisting, help me to see that I am seeking my will above Your will. Where I am offended, help me to understand the difference between my own indignation and the place where, when offended by others, tolerance is called for. In all things, teach me to be gracious and kind, seeking what is right no matter how I feel about any situation. Lead me to live a life of righteousness. Amen.
