Editors note: This devotional is taken from the archives of Gospel of Mark, chapter 7.

^“In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.” (Mark 7:25-26, NIV)

“First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." (Mark 7:27, NIV)

"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." (Mark 7:28, NIV)

Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." (Mark 7:29, NIV)

“She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.”  (Mark 7:30, NIV)

Observation:

I asked myself what we learn about the woman from v. 7:25-26.

1. She heard about Jesus.

2. She was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia.

3. She had a little daughter who was possessed by an evil spirit.

4. She came to Jesus

5. She fell at his feet

6. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

I asked myself how Jesus responds in v. 27.

Jesus responds in three ways:

1. First, let the children eat all they want.

2. It is not right to take the children’s bread.

3. It is not right to toss it to their dogs.

Interpretation:

I asked myself what Jesus means by His response.

When Jesus speaks of children, He is referring to the children of Israel or those that are Jewish. When Jesus speaks of dogs, He is referring to those the people see as despised Gentiles. Jesus is letting the woman know that the people around Him see her children as dogs. Jesus expresses it to her that the people expect Him to take care of their children first and not the others.

Observation:

I asked myself what is the woman’s reply.

The woman makes three remarkable responses:

1. She concedes to Jesus’ statement.

2. She calls Jesus, Lord.

3. She tells Jesus even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.

Interpretation:

I asked myself what is the significance of the woman conceding to Jesus’ statement.

The woman agrees with Jesus that they are seen as despised Gentiles and the Jews have a problem with them. She acknowledges the position she is in without thinking to herself, “how dare Jesus refers to my daughter as a dog” and leaving. She does lash out at either Jesus nor leave but does something profound even though she may have been badly hurt. This is evidenced by response 2.

I asked myself what is the significance of her calling Jesus, Lord!

The woman acknowledges Jesus to be her Lord too even though she is seen as a despised Gentile by the Jews and those around Jesus. She acknowledges what Jesus had told her when she came, fell at His feet, and begged for healing. Even through Jesus’ statement she knows He is Lord and can heal her daughter if He chooses to. So, after conceding and calling Jesus Lord, she makes a remarkable response which is evidenced by response 3.

I asked myself what is the significance of her telling Jesus even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs?

The woman does not deny anything Jesus had told her, instead she reasons with Jesus and acknowledges the children of Israel do deserve the best but those that are despised like her and her child should at least get the children’s crumbs. She is not asking for great things for her family but at least a small portion of the blessings that the children of Israel enjoy. In this case, she wants at least crumbs and not the whole bread since her family is seen as dogs because even dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs without being shooed away.

It is amazing to see the woman’s faith and personality through adversity. She loves her daughter so much that no matter how insulted or hurt she felt, she did not let that stop her from wanting healing from Jesus for her daughter. She even acknowledged Jesus as Lord, agreed with Jesus, and had hope for healing her hurting daughter.

Observation:

I asked myself what was the outcome.

"Then he told her, ‘For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter. She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.’”  (Mark 7:29-30, NIV)

Interpretation:

I asked myself the significance of the child’s healing.

Jesus was showing the people around Him that though they may despise people who are not like them, He will not. Just as Jesus healed Jewish children who were demon-possessed, now He healed a despised Gentile because of her faith and persistence. Jesus saw how she reacted through adversity and blessed her for it by healing her demon-possessed daughter. That is so awesome!

Implications:

I saw important implications for my own life. As the despised Gentile woman did not let adversity stop her from achieving the goal she came for, that of seeing her daughter healed, I should not let adversity or people’s statements stop me from depending on Jesus for the help I need for others or myself. I know with faith whatever Jesus has done for the Jewish people, He can do for me and my family too. Rather than being controlled by adversity and how the circumstances around me look because others may not agree with me and give me trouble, I should look to the Lord who oversees the circumstances knowing He can intervene if He chooses too. No matter what area I may face adversity in whether it be career, academics, relationships, etc, I know I can go to my Lord and Personal Savior and depend on Him for the answers. I know He has blessings for me through the adversities too and need to ask Jesus always ‘what do you want me to do to receive the blessings you already have for me’ and act on it. Help me Jesus! Amen!

I also learned some adversity can be just because of words and insults too. I should not let that stop me from seeking the Lord no matter what others say. For, I know my Redeemer lives and He is for me. If He is for me no one can be against me for His power, presence, purpose, and pardon in my life will trump all other adversity! Praise the Lord! Amen!

I ask you now dear friend, what is the adversity you are facing?

Dear friend, each of us face adversity in our lives. The question is not where we will face adversity but how we will handle the adversity. Life is full of adversity at different turns but there is Good News friend. Yes, there is friend for amidst the problems there is a way. Jesus is the Way my friend. He is the Way for you no matter what you are facing. Don’t let the adversity control you and paralyze you. You may feel so down because of what you are going through but Jesus is there and wants to help you. Yes, He does friend! As the woman did not give up and lose hope no matter how slim she thought her chances maybe of receiving healing for her daughter especially when she heard the word ‘dogs’ she did not let that stop her. She persisted and reasoned with Jesus acknowledging Him as Lord and waiting for His healing for her daughter. Through the adversity because of her faith in the Lord and what He could do, Jesus did intervene and her daughter was healed by the time she went home. That is awesome to know.

I do not know friend, what kind of adversity you are facing but Jesus knows your adversity. Yes, He does friend and does not want you to face it alone. No, friend He does not WANT you to face it alone but wants to be there for you. Yes, He does! Jesus tells you I will neither leave you nor forsake you, for I will come to you. Wait on Him and never give up. There are times our adversity is to bring us to a place where we totally depend on Him and Him alone, not our strengths, charm, ability, etc.

Friend, I speak from experience. You see friend, there are times what we want we do not get and for us that is adversity but what we want is not what the Lord knows we need. When I was hurting, I continued to praise the Lord and talked to Him even as I lay down. I fell asleep and received a wonderful dream.

In my dream, I saw Jesus climbing the mountain and was so excited. When I woke up, my perspective changed. The words of Jesus, “Do not be afraid, just believe” kept resonating in me. Lord knew what I was afraid of but wanted me to just believe. The ‘just’ word made me see that I should totally depend on Jesus without ‘what if’s’. I have done that friend. I still am totally depending on Jesus for a particular situation in my life for our Lord never abandons us or leaves us. If Jesus wanted me not to be afraid and just believe, He is handling the situation and I will see the outcome in His timing.

As I reflected on the dream, I asked myself why Jesus was going up the mountainside. What came to my mind was to pray and teach. So, I took 40 days off to spend time in prayer and mostly spend time reading the Word of God so Jesus could teach me. I wanted to know all the Lord wants to show me through my adversity. The adversity began America’s Independence Day of July 04, 2005. So from that day, I decided to take 40 days which happened to end on India’s Independence Day of August 15, 2005. In that time, as of Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 4:20 a.m. within 33 days, I was able to read through the entire Bible starting from Genesis to Revelation.

Of the entire Word of God I read, the Lord made me see two things that stand out to me:

“But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus --- the work of spreading the Good News of God’s mighty kindness and love.” (Acts 20:24, TLB)

The Lord does not look at nationality, race, education, or social status.

The first verse has been my springboard since August 15, 2005, to this day. Also, I am confident and dependent on the Lord that He will open a better situation for me from the situation I hurt from.

He will do that for you too friend! Do not give up but wait on the Lord. Jesus is the Answer! Yes, He is friend, yes He is!

If you are facing adversity in career, academics, relationships, etc take it to the Lord in prayer. Let Him know what you are going through by opening up to Him. Do not think it is useless especially if something you really wanted did not happen, for Jesus loves you and will give you the choicest blessings as you lean on Him and depend on Him. Even through pain, He will give you the strength to endure as He has given me.

I want to share with you a poem, the Lord Jesus helped me write few years ago to help those facing problems.

Amidst Problems There Is A Way (Read John 14)
By Ramesh C. Reddy

Is your life full of pain?

Do you feel like every decision you made seems in vain?

Do you feel like your mistakes made a permanent stain?

And you are now walking in life's wrong lane?

Do you feel like there is nothing to gain?

Cause you have taken your own path?

And do not know where you are headed or at?

"Only If" you keep thinking to yourself, as you alone sat?

Your decisions make you feel full of guilt?

Your decisions made your daily life upside down tilt?

You feel it is now hard to have your life properly built?

No matter what is going wrong!

HOLD ON, BE STRONG!

Someone mightier than your problems will show you the Way.

With His love and kindness, He will guide you day by day.

He loves you so much that with His Blood, your sin He did pay.

As He on the Cross crucified lay.

On the Third Day, God brought Him back.

And He is ready to save us with Salvation we all lack.

And in our life put us back on the right track. (Isa 20:31)

Regardless of the problems we have been carrying in a sack.

Speaking of Jesus Christ, God's Holy Son (John 3:16)

Who wants to have all your problems though they weigh a ton.

With Christ's help we can handle problems w/o having to run.

And Jesus will let you know, you have well done!

Please accept Jesus into your heart. (Romans 10:9)

In your life, Jesus will always do His part (Phil 4:13)

And help you Satan's fiery arrows Dart.

As you give Jesus a Start. (Rom 10:13)

Amen! 

May you rest in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, who wants to be your Lord and Personal Savior now and forever knowing He is the Answer!

“Adversity? Daily, Valiantly Everyone Remember Savior Is Treating You!” (A.D.V.E.S.I.T.Y)/”What is the adversity you are facing?”
 
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I totally depend on you. Thank you for the work you have already done in our lives. You alone are God eternal throughout earth and heaven above. Please help Oh Lord. Thank you that you do! Thank you for dying for our sin and coming back to life to save us. Thank you for the blood you shed on the cross to give us Eternal life when we turn to thee. We turn to thee Oh Lord and ask for your blessings and intervention in our lives. We are so sorry for our sin and ask you to please forgive us, hear us, and answer us Oh Lord. We want to lift your Name on High! We trust in your unfailing love. Jesus thank you for being the Answer for us! I pray right now for the one facing so much adversity that amidst the problems, they see no way but need a way out. Oh Lord, you can provide that way. You know Lord, their pain and what they suffer. You can restore the broken. So, Oh Lord, amidst the problems, help us to trust in thee. Thank you Jesus you will show us the way. You will guide us with your loving kindness day by day. Thank you for loving us so much. We turn our heart to thee and accept you into our heart. Thank you Jesus, for doing your part! I thank you Jesus, for helping us Satan's fiery arrows dart. We acknowledge you as our Lord and Personal Savior! Thank you for being our Lord and Personal Savior! Thank you that you have heard us and answered us! IN YOUR NAME I PRAY JESUS!!! AMEN!

Make this your prayer. Don’t let the enemy deceive you into thinking you need all the answers before coming to Christ. Let me just assure you though you may not have all the answers right now before coming to Jesus, He will answer them slowly. Yes, He will for I know our Redeemer will! Amen!

PRAYER:
Father God thank you, you love us so much that you sent your only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. I love you Lord. Thank you Father God for your Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus thank you for loving me so much. Thank you Jesus, you will take care of my problems. Nothing is too hard for you. For many of us Lord, we face many obstacles in life whether it be Spiritual, financial, marital, emotional, physical, or educational problems. We turn these problems and the prayer requests to you. Thank you Lord you never fail to answer our prayers. Just because we don't understand does not mean you didn't answer our prayers. Thanks Lord for cleansing us by your precious Blood. Please come into my heart Jesus. Please forgive my sins. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Thank you Jesus for coming into my heart. Thank you Jesus for making my heart, your home. Thank you Jesus for living in me. I will live for you Jesus and serve you the rest of the days of my life. I pray right now for the one who is so troubled that only your presence and love can meet them where they are at. Come Lord Jesus and please intervene in their life. Cover them with your awesome presence and help them through what they are going. Thank you Jesus as you saw the disciples in trouble and came to their rescue, you can come to our rescue too. We entrust our lives in your care. Thank you for the answer and you will carry us! IN YOUR NAME, I PRAY JESUS THANKING YOU FOR EVERYTHING. AMEN.

Friend you may feel something or may not feeling anything but do not go by your feelings. When you ask Jesus to come into your life, He will and does. He will take over from here as you depend on the Lord and let Him work in you and through you! This is exciting friend! May each one that came to know Jesus be filled with His Holy Spirit forever more and those that know Jesus come to know Him more and more! Amen!

Get yourself involved in a campus Bible study, fellowship, and most of all find a Bible believing church and be involved to grow in your Christian walk with the Lord. They all need to be supplements for your own precious time with the Lord in prayer and meditating on His Word. If you need a Bible, please let me know!

As the movie DaVinci Code opened across the theaters on May 19, 2006, which speaks against the church and most importantly degrades the Name of Jesus Christ, we need to make ourselves available to speak the truth to the falsity presented in the movie and the novel. If you plan to watch the movie or have read the book and have questions or your faith seems to be shaken, please email me or give me a call at 412-720-4579 so we can discuss the false claims in the book that are presented as fact even though the book itself and the movie is presented as fiction. May the Lord bless you and guide you!

If you need anyone to talk to, pray with, or study the Bible with this  Summer of 2006, you can email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com or call me at 412-720-4579. Please do not hesitate. One-one Bible studies can be so powerful too because the Holy Spirit is still in the midst.

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

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