Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

October 9– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“But [Jesus] did not answer [the Canaanite women]— not even a word.”

—Matthew 15:23

Those who genuinely seek Jesus but have not yet obtained his blessing may take comfort from this example. The Savior did not give this woman the blessing she requested even though she had great faith in him. He intended to give it, but he waited for a while. At first, he didn’t give her a single word.

Weren’t her prayers good? There were none better in the world. Wasn’t her case needy? Yes, sorrowfully needy. Did she not feel her need sufficiently? Yes, she felt it overwhelmingly. Was she not earnest enough? She was intensely so. Did she lack faith? She had such a high degree of it that even Jesus wondered and said, “O woman, how great is your faith!” You can see from this example that, although faith brings peace, it does not always bring it immediately. Sometimes faith is further tested before it is rewarded. Genuine faith may be in the soul like a hidden seed that must first rot in the soils before it buds and blossoms into the fullness of joy and peace.

Not only did this woman hear silence from Jesus at first, but she endured his seemingly harsh reply, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and give it to dogs.” Many in waiting upon the Lord find immediate delight, but this is not the case with all. Before a sense of pardon from sin is granted, one may first experience a deeper sense of sin.  In such a case you will need patience to bear the heavy blow.

O, poor heart, come to Christ. Even if he bruises you at first, trust him fully! Even if he gives you a seemingly angry word, believe in the love of his heart. Don’t give up seeking and trusting the Master because you have not yet obtained the conscious joy you long for. Cast yourself on him, and keep coming to him even if it seems like you have lost all hope. [M&E]