“Getting a cold shoulder from God can bring a warm smile later”

The Reading is from Matthew 15:21-28
At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed 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 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 fair 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 master's 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.

Silence from  God can be staggering. Ever prayed for a situation and it seemed like the heaven  was brass and the earth iron?  God help!  And it seems like you are speaking to yourself? 
Here is a woman  crying for help...”  JESUS!!!  HELP”......He walks on without  batting an eyelash.  How unchristian of Him!

She is desperate now...”JESUS!  I WANT MERCY.”

Still no answer.   Then, the Christians tell  Jesus  shut her up!  Ever  have Christians  try to turn you away from Christ, or turn  you off from  following Him?  The Apostles did it.

Yet  she persists. “Lord”

Jesus’  response”...you  are not worthy...you are a dog.”

Her humility...”true Lord,  I am a dog but dogs  get the scraps..”

Jesus’ response,”  GREAT IS YOUR FAITH  as you wish...”

There is a lesson here from our Lord.  Jesus  tempts no man (Js.1)  But, He does try  our faith and motives.  Jesus  answered her prayer after three  things:
1.He proved her trust in mercy-  He knew she didn’t think she deserved it.
2.He proved her confidence was not just in other Christians (how many  give up  because of bad disciples?) Even  when  the followers  slighted her she still persisted.
3.He proved her humility.

This woman  got a cold shoulder from the Lord.  Ultimately,  she got His favor.

Let’s  not get slighted by  apparent cold  shoulders,  God will smile  at us at the end.