Sometimes, God won’t answer our prayer just to see how we would respond.

I know that sounds cold, but sometimes it is necessary for us to know that it is Christ alone that is the solution to our problem. If we can find the solution elsewhere, then Jesus might not grant our request. He will take us to a place when our prayer is not answered to make us say “But, Lord, I have no one else to turn to… Please, reconsider.” However, if we pout because we are offended or disappointed and turn away from Him, then that will show that we were never that desperate to begin with.

In Matthew 15:21, a Canaanite (non-Jew) woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter who is sick. But Jesus gives her the cold shoulder. And when she presses, He says, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs!” In other words, in today’s vernacular, “I’m here for the Jews. You are of the wrong race! You don’t deserve my healing!”

How would you have responded if you were that woman? Incensed? Offended? Or desperate enough that you would still hang onto Him?

The woman said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” In today’s lingo, “I know I don’t deserve You, but if you would just throw me some spare changes, sir, that would be enough.”

And Jesus compliments her faith and grants her wish.

What was Jesus trying to prove? That, only those who would not be offended by Jesus’ initial rejection of our request and would keep hanging onto Him would be found worthy of Him.

If God seems to be giving you the cold shoulders, don’t turn away from Him. The answer might be right around the corner!

PH