A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

WOMAN, YOU HAVE GREAT FAITH      

Matthew 15:29 (Read verses 21-28) “Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.” 

Jesus commended the woman in today’s devotional verses for her “great faith.” There are many places in Holy Scripture where mention is made of the importance of faith when praying. The writer to the Hebrews states that “. . . without faith it is impossible to please God. . .” He then wrote, “anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) St. Paul wrote “through faith” you “may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12) 

The only thing Jesus commended regarding the woman was her faith. David, the mighty king of Israel prayed to Yahweh, “In You, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in You: Show me Your ways. Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long . . . Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners In His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. (Psalm 25:1-9) “David found strength in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6)    

Note David’s words in Psalm 37, “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:3-6) Your faith (trusting in the Lord) means in your prayers you turn everything over to God. How wise to do so. You know He is all-wise, all—powerful and full of love for you. Who better to turn to with every aspect of your life.    

Prayer: Heavenly Father, hear and answer my prayers as I pray them in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

God answers prayer, O do not doubt Him;  God answers prayer, believe His Word:  God answers prayer; now venture on Him,  His Word the test of time has stood.   

Refrain:  God answers prayer, O soul, believe Him;  God answers prayer, I’ve proved Him true!  God answers prayer, now venture on Him;  He answered me, He’ll answer you. 

God answers prayer, fear not to trust Him;  God answers prayer, he longs to save:  God answers prayer, look up believing,  For this His only Son He gave. Refrain: 

God answers prayer, O child so weary;  God answers prayer, pure you shall be:  God answers prayer, His blood availeth;  From self and sin He’ll make you free. Refrain: 

God answers prayer, I dare believe it;  God answers prayer, O praise His name:  God answers prayer, and here this moment,  His love sets all my heart aflame. Refrain: 

God answers prayers, in time of trial  God answers prayer when all seems dark;  God answers prayer, He’ll safely guide you,  He loves and knows the way you take. Refrain:   (George Bennard, Died 1858. Public Domain)