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The Syrophoenician Woman – Don’t Stop Asking

What do you do when God seems silent? That was the question facing the Syrophoenician woman. Her daughter was tormented by a demon, and in desperation she came to Jesus for help. But instead of answering right away, Matthew tells us, “Jesus did not say a word to her. His disciples approached him and urged him, ‘Send her away because she’s crying out after us’” (Matthew 15:23 CSB).

From the start, everything seemed against her. She was a Gentile from a people long opposed to Israel. She was a woman approaching a Jewish rabbi in a culture where that was improper. The disciples wanted her dismissed. And even Jesus replied, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24 CSB). Finally, He told her, “Let the children be fed first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Mark 7:27 CSB).

Most of us would have walked away. Silence, rejection, disappointment. How could anyone keep asking? But she pressed in with humility and faith: “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs” (Mark 7:28 CSB). She didn’t argue her worthiness or demand her rights. She simply believed that even a crumb of grace from Jesus would be enough. And it was. “Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has left your daughter” (Mark 7:29 CSB).

This story shows us that God invites us to persistent prayer. A non-response is not a final response. Delay is not denial. Jesus Himself said, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 CSB). Paul echoes this call when he writes, “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer” (Romans 12:12 CSB).

And it shows us that no barrier can keep us from God’s grace. Ethnicity, background, reputation, or even spiritual opposition cannot disqualify us from his mercy when we come in faith. There are no barriers God’s grace cannot overcome.

At the Lord’s table, there is always enough. Even the crumbs of his kindness are more satisfying than a feast anywhere else.

Reflection Question: Where in your life have you stopped praying because God seemed silent? What would it look like this week to come again with humility and persistence?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that Your table is full and Your grace is enough. Teach me not to give up in prayer, even when You seem silent. Give me the humility of this woman and the persistence to keep seeking You. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to trust that even when I don’t see the answer yet, You are faithful and good. Amen.