Faith in Waiting: Embracing God's Timing and Purpose

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with the question of why God makes us wait for answers to our prayers. This waiting period can be perplexing, especially when we are taught to gratify desires promptly, much like a parent would for their child. However, Jesus teaches us through parables that God is not like an unjust judge or a reluctant neighbor who only responds to persistent nagging. Instead, God invites us into a deeper relational reality within His Kingdom, where asking, seeking, and knocking are integral to our spiritual growth.

The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 illustrates this beautifully. Despite being outside the traditional boundaries of Israel, she approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for her demon-possessed daughter. Initially, Jesus remains silent, a response that seems uncharacteristic of His compassionate nature. This silence serves a dual purpose: it is a test for both the woman and His disciples. The disciples fail to recognize her humanity, while the woman, undeterred, persists with remarkable faith. Her audacity in prayer, her willingness to engage in a spiritual tug-of-war with Jesus, ultimately reveals her great faith, leading to her daughter's healing.

This narrative teaches us that God's delays are not denials. They are opportunities for us to grow in faith, character, and understanding. In the waiting, we are invited to ask God if there is something He wants us to do, a way He wants us to respond. This active engagement in prayer transforms our relationship with God, moving us from a place of passive waiting to one of active participation in His divine plan. As we persist in prayer, we are reminded that God is more concerned with our character than our circumstances, and through this process, we come to know Him and ourselves more deeply.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Delays Are Not Denials: God's timing often involves waiting, not as a form of denial, but as an invitation to deepen our relationship with Him. In the waiting, we learn to trust His wisdom and grow in faith, understanding that His ways are higher than ours. [01:08]

- The Power of Persistent Faith: The Canaanite woman's story teaches us the value of persistent faith. Her willingness to engage with Jesus, despite initial silence, demonstrates a faith that is bold and unyielding, ultimately leading to her daughter's healing. [07:28]

- Prayer as a Relational Journey: Prayer is not merely about changing our circumstances but about transforming our character. Through prayer, we engage in a relational journey with God, where asking, seeking, and knocking become pathways to spiritual growth. [09:24]

- Recognizing Humanity in Others: Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman challenges us to see the humanity in others, regardless of cultural or religious boundaries. It is a call to extend compassion and recognize the divine image in every person. [05:36]

- Active Participation in God's Plan: In our prayers, we are invited to ask God how we can actively participate in His plan. This involves listening for His guidance and taking steps, however small, to align our actions with His will. [10:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Mystery of Waiting
- [00:25] - Persistence in Prayer
- [00:41] - God's Nature in Prayer
- [01:08] - Relational Reality of the Kingdom
- [01:41] - Generosity and Asking
- [02:22] - Gifts and Gratitude
- [02:53] - The Waiting Question
- [03:22] - The Canaanite Woman's Story
- [04:21] - Jesus' Initial Silence
- [05:08] - Teaching Through Silence
- [06:07] - The Woman's Persistent Faith
- [07:28] - The Power of Audacity
- [08:22] - The Revelation of Faith
- [09:53] - The Question in Waiting
- [10:24] - Prayer and Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 15:21-28

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Observation Questions:

1. In the story of the Canaanite woman, what was Jesus' initial response to her plea, and how did the disciples react to her presence? ([04:40])

2. How does the Canaanite woman address Jesus, and what does this reveal about her understanding of who He is? ([04:21])

3. What cultural or historical significance is there in Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman, considering the context of the time? ([03:38])

4. How does Jesus' response to the woman change throughout the passage, and what does this indicate about His teaching method? ([08:02])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might Jesus' initial silence towards the Canaanite woman teach about the nature of faith and persistence in prayer? ([04:40])

2. How does the story of the Canaanite woman challenge the disciples' understanding of who is worthy of God's compassion and healing? ([05:36])

3. In what ways does the Canaanite woman's response to Jesus demonstrate a deep and audacious faith? How does this compare to the disciples' reactions? ([07:28])

4. What does the interaction between Jesus and the Canaanite woman reveal about the importance of recognizing humanity in others, regardless of cultural or religious boundaries? ([05:36])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was silent in response to your prayers. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([04:40])

2. The Canaanite woman showed persistence despite initial rejection. Is there a situation in your life where you need to persist in faith? How can you take a step forward in that area this week? ([07:28])

3. Jesus used His interaction with the Canaanite woman to teach His disciples about compassion. How can you extend compassion to someone outside your usual circle this week? ([05:36])

4. Consider the idea that God's delays are not denials. How can you shift your perspective on waiting periods in your life to see them as opportunities for growth? ([09:24])

5. The sermon suggests that prayer is a relational journey. How can you deepen your relationship with God through prayer this week? What specific steps will you take to make your prayer life more active and engaging? ([09:24])

6. Think about a person or group you may have overlooked or dismissed in the past. How can you actively recognize and affirm their humanity and worth this week? ([05:36])

7. In what ways can you actively participate in God's plan for your life? Identify one area where you feel called to act and describe the first step you will take. ([10:10])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Timing as an Invitation to Trust
In our journey of faith, we often encounter periods of waiting that challenge our understanding and patience. These moments are not meant to be seen as denials from God but as opportunities to deepen our trust in His wisdom and timing. The waiting period invites us to lean into a relationship with God, where we learn to trust that His ways are higher than ours. This trust is cultivated through prayer and reflection, allowing us to grow in faith and understanding. As we wait, we are reminded that God's timing is perfect, and His plans for us are always for our good. [01:08]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are currently waiting on God? How can you actively trust His timing and wisdom in this situation today?


Day 2: Bold Faith in the Face of Silence
The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 exemplifies the power of persistent faith. Despite Jesus' initial silence, the woman continues to plead for her daughter's healing, demonstrating a bold and unyielding faith. Her persistence is not a sign of desperation but a testament to her belief in Jesus' power and compassion. This narrative encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we encounter silence or delays. It reminds us that our faith can move mountains and that God honors those who seek Him with determination and courage. [07:28]

Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary."'"

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt silence from God. How can you demonstrate bold faith and continue to seek Him in this area?


Day 3: Prayer as a Pathway to Transformation
Prayer is more than a means to change our circumstances; it is a transformative journey that shapes our character and deepens our relationship with God. Through prayer, we engage in a relational dialogue with God, where asking, seeking, and knocking become avenues for spiritual growth. This process invites us to align our hearts with God's will, allowing His presence to transform us from the inside out. As we persist in prayer, we discover that God is more concerned with our character than our immediate circumstances, leading us to a deeper understanding of His love and purpose for our lives. [09:24]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a more intentional prayer practice into your daily routine to foster spiritual growth and transformation?


Day 4: Seeing the Humanity in Others
Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman challenges us to recognize the humanity in others, regardless of cultural or religious boundaries. This encounter calls us to extend compassion and see the divine image in every person we meet. It is a reminder that God's love transcends all barriers and that we are called to reflect that love in our interactions with others. By acknowledging the humanity in those around us, we participate in God's redemptive work and become agents of His grace and mercy in the world. [05:36]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking or failing to see as fully human? How can you extend compassion and recognize their inherent worth today?


Day 5: Active Participation in God's Plan
In our prayers, we are invited to ask God how we can actively participate in His divine plan. This involves listening for His guidance and taking steps, however small, to align our actions with His will. By engaging in this active participation, we move from passive waiting to a dynamic involvement in God's work in the world. This process not only transforms our relationship with God but also empowers us to live out our faith in tangible ways, making a difference in the lives of those around us. [10:10]

James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to actively participate in God's plan for your life? How can you align your actions with His will in a practical way?

Quotes


why is it that God so often makes us wait on what it is that we are praying for any parent knows uh if you want to raise a good kid you try to gratify their desires as soon as they have them as soon as they express them so what's up with this delay we saw last time that we were looking at PR I hope you get a chance to have seen that video that in Luke chapter 18 Jesus said that he wanted his followers to always be praying and never give up and then there's a couple of stories one about an unjust judge one about a neighbor that just wants to get some sleep but in response to the Persistence of the request they yield now of course part of what Jesus is teaching is God's not like that judge God's not like that neighbor they don't really want to uh help they're just kind of worn down like little kids when we were small we would do this to my mom just tap her over and over mom mom mom mom mom until we wore her down and Jesus is teaching prayer is not like that God's not like that it's not about wearing him down so why does he make his delay [00:00:03]

well obviously there's a lot of mystery to that a lot that's way above my pay grade but I do think there's bits to understand Jesus is inviting us into the ultimate uh relational reality of the Kingdom ask and you'll receive seek and you'll fine knock and the door will be open when people love each other in the kingdom of God we live in relationships where generous giving and humble asking and grateful receiving is the beauty of life I it begins that way within the Trinity I'm living in this beautiful place right now partly because Nance and I asked a couple who are just remarkably generous with us when we needed someplace to be here in the Bay Area and I'm out here right now listening to the birds remembering what Jesus said you know consider the birds of the air your father is giving to them every day he generously provides that's how the world keeps running and he will take care of you [00:01:12]

this is a story that for a long time when I read it just seemed very strange to me and then I read a uh Man by the name of Ken Bailey who's terrific new testament scholar he lived for many years in the Middle East studied Middle Eastern culture and he writes about this in wonderful ways so I'm very indebted to him for this understanding of this passage this is from Matthew chap 15 verse 21 uh Jesus left where he had been teaching and withdrew into the region of Ty and siden now that's quite significant this is outside of Israel outside of the people of God where the Gentiles were people for whom Israel did not have much time but Jesus did Jesus was conly surprising his followers by his compassion and care for Samaritans over and over again and Roman centurions and and making them Heroes when he would preach like in Luke 4 so that's where he is is a Canaanite woman from that vicinity [00:03:06]

now you know the land of Canaan the Canaanites they were kind of the enemies back in the Old Testament day these were not considered good people a Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him crying out Lord son of David have mercy on me my daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly so she is in agony she is crying out to to God now crying out to God through Jesus Jesus did not answer a word that's very strange we know that he is a deeply compassionate person and yet says nothing so his disciples came to him and urged him send her away for she keeps crying out after us now that's a little generous on their part she didn't say anything about wanting them but they uh include themselves in the band of potential helpers and tell Jesus send her away [00:04:02]

Ken Bailey writes here's part of what's going on Jesus is a master teacher and he's actually teaching in two directions at a single time he is working with this woman he is teaching her we'll see more about that as we keep going on through the story he's also teaching his disciples he wants them to understand because he's already taught them quite a lot about caring for Samaritans and centurians and Gentiles and he wants to see Ken Bailey says do they understand yet will any of them recognize this woman's humanity and that she is loved by God and stand up for her so he doesn't say anything to see what they will do and so far they're flunking the test send her away he anwers now she's there but he's responding to his disciples in this moment so he's not turning and facing her yet I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel [00:05:06]

now to the woman this raises the challenge bar uh even higher to his disciples it seems like he's reinforcing their ethnocentricity yeah she's not you know in my baileywick the woman came and knelt before him Lord help me she said and now her anguish and her Humanity are palpably present will the disciples do anything will they say anything will any one of them speak up for her crickets he replied it is not right for me to take the children's bread Israel's and toss it to the dogs now the dogs that was a common term for Gentiles back in the first century Jason softens it a little bit he uses a term for a little dog like a doggy like a dog ATS not right for throw the crumb ATS to the dog ATS he used that harsh term to see how the disciples would respond he softens it a bit for the sake of the woman and again they say nothing so they failed this test rather badly they get an incomplete the good news about being a disciple of Jesus is uh it's never final failure it's an incomplete I get a lot of those [00:06:02]

but the woman responds Jesus says it's not right to take the children's breast and talk toss it to the dogs and and and and you wonder how does she have the courage to stay in this but she does she comes back at him with uh remarkable level of uh like feting almost combative Faith oh yes it is so she's disagreeing with him she's going to teach the teacher this is this is Shameless audacity in prayer yes it is Lord even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table when once again silence none of the disciples respond at all and now finally Jesus responds to her he turns to her and now the mask is off woman you have great faith your request is granted and her daughter was healed at that moment [00:07:28]

so with this woman Jesus initially hides his heart hides his great love there's a book on Story by Robert mcken he writes about how if you're a writer you hold an audience attention not by what you reveal but by the information you withhold and the master teacher knows that as well we often see this with God we see it for example in the strange story of Jacob when he wrestles with the angel of God with the presence of God I will not let you go until you uh you bless me somehow in the wrestling and the struggling and the sparring and the persisting a human being grows in a way that they don't grow if the answer is just simply given right away generally when it comes to prayer when I go to God I'm concerned with my circumstances but again asking is a part of the great relationship God is primarily concerned with my character and our character often grows when we have to battle and struggle we're not sure but we keep persisting and we keep going and this woman walks away from this experience with Jesus with a level of Faith now an understanding of who Jesus is and an understanding of her own ability to Grapple and persist an understanding of the depth of her own faith that she would not have had had it not been this strange kind of tug-of-war between her and Jesus until finally he says okay now you can see me fully [00:08:22]

so the question to ask when we're engaged in the waiting period in prayer is God Is there a way for you want me to respond is there something you want me to do and I want to invite you to uh reflect on that right now we're going to pray right now Our Father who is always near and now tell God again about that concern that you're laying before him each day and I will as well amen and now just ask God and and you can pause for a moment to see are there any steps that I could take to be helpful to this person and I have found this week a couple of quite concrete ones they don't solve the thing that I'm asking for but there are Little Steps where I can be involved to do something positive and that's part of the response of prayer I think about when Jesus was talking to Peter before he was crucified telling Peter that Peter was going to deny him and Jesus says but I have prayed for you now he doesn't fix Peter how often we would just like to fix people the word for that in our day is codependency and enabling and it's a real good thing that we're not able to do that although it's very frustrating uh Jesus prays for Peter doesn't step in and make Peter do the right thing or keep him from doing the wrong thing but he's also not passive not only does he pray he also tells Peter I prayed for you and uh when you are restored strengthen your brothers so there's going to be something for Peter to do Jesus lets him know about that is there anything God's calling you to do and listen and if there is do it make it a golden rule day ask seek and knock [00:09:53]

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Transcript
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