Asking for Help
“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:21-28 ESV)
I have a confession to make: I am addicted to a silly game on my Nook. It is called “Hay Day” in which you become a virtual farmer. I think that I am addicted because it takes me away from the stress at work; and in all reality I would love to own a farm. Not only could I grow crop that is organic, I also could use the farm for my portrait business. Can you visualize having a great, red barn or horses as a background for your portraits? I can!
At any rate, part of the game is to help each other with orders from your neighbors, the boat that comes along the property line, or truck orders. Trust me, this game is very well thought out. However, if you don’t ask for help, no one can help you because they do not know that you need help.
We, as followers of Christ, sometimes don’t ask for help either. We are shy about sharing our troubles with each other. We think that we should not have any troubles. Well, Jesus never said that. In John 16:33 Jesus said:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
My dear friend, don’t be shy or uneasy about sharing your troubles or concerns. Share them with a close friend. Ask for prayers. And if you do not have a close friend nearby, go to Jesus and ask Him for peace, and strength. The Canaanite woman had no problem going to Jesus and asking Him for help. Even though it was frowned upon women, especially a non-Jewish woman, to approach a man (a rabbi to add to it) and asking for help. Take heart, my sweet friend; ask for help.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for giving us Your Word so that we can find strength and peace. Help us to ask for help when the days seem dark and it appears that there is no way out. You have shared through the Gospel of Matthew that we can always come to You and ask for Your help. We are trusting in Your mercy. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo and Content Copyright © – Iris Nelson
