Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:7-8

In Matthew 15, we read about the Canaanite woman who cried out to Jesus to heal her daughter possessed by a demon. At first Jesus did not answer her, but her insistent cries caused the disciples to implore Jesus to send her away. Jesus explained to her that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.

However, because of the woman’s great faith, Jesus healed her daughter. I am always awed by the faith of this woman, someone who was not Jewish but had faith to believe that Jesus could heal! She is such a great example of the key component to receiving the healing power of Christ: she believed.

Throughout the generations since Jesus’ resurrection, tradition, human reasoning, and confusion have caused God’s people to settle for less than believing, proclaiming, and demonstrating the kingdom of God. Scriptures teach us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Why, then, would we not expect to see the demonstration of His kingdom today?

When Jesus healed the woman’s daughter, he demonstrated that “the kingdom was near.” As we pray, believe, and expect to see God’s kingdom today, our eyes open to see the works of God. Do you cry out to God for healing and expect Him to heal? Do you cry out to God for deliverance and expect Him to deliver you? Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday, and He responds to the prayers of the faithful.

Heavenly Father,

I have been discouraged by unanswered prayer, and over time I have believed that You would not heal me. Forgive me for my unbelief and for turning away from faith in You.

I turn back to You and cry out for healing, and like the woman of faith I receive Your healing power.

In Jesus’ name, Amen