Relentless Love: Honoring Mothers and Faith
Summary
Today is a day of celebration, gratitude, and deep reflection. We gather in the house of the Lord, recognizing that every breath, every moment, is a gift from God. Even when our hearts are heavy, especially on days like Mother’s Day, we are reminded to put on the garment of praise, to make a conscious decision to worship God beyond our feelings. Praise is not just an emotional release—it is a spiritual weapon that brings breakthrough, comfort, and victory, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty.
We honor all mothers—natural, spiritual, surrogate, stepmothers, and mentors—acknowledging the many forms of motherly love that shape our lives and our community. There is a unique power in a mother’s love, a relentless faith that refuses to let go, even when circumstances seem impossible. The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 reveals a faith that pushes through pain, presses through pride, and holds on despite silence and rejection. Her persistence, her willingness to cry out from the depths, and her refusal to be turned away, moved the heart of Jesus and brought healing to her daughter.
This kind of faith is not always pretty or dignified. Sometimes it is a moan, a cry, a desperate plea that only God can interpret. It is a faith that is willing to take even the crumbs from the Master’s table, knowing that a little from God is more than enough. It is a faith that does not let pride or offense stand in the way of a miracle. And it is a faith that, even when dismissed or degraded, refuses to let go until the blessing comes.
We are reminded that what we honor remains in our lives, and what we fail to honor will eventually leave. As a church, we strive to be a loving, serving, and honoring community, recognizing the value and voice of every person. Just as a mother’s love will not let go, so too does God’s love hold us fast, no matter where we find ourselves. Even when we run, even when we feel unworthy, God’s love pursues us and will not let go.
Today, let us remember and honor the mothers among us, and let us also remember the relentless, unyielding love of God. May we hold on to faith, press through every obstacle, and trust that God’s love and grace are more than enough for every need.
Key Takeaways
- Praise is a Decision and a Weapon
Praise is not just an emotional response; it is a deliberate act that lifts us above our circumstances. When heaviness tries to settle on us, especially in seasons of grief or struggle, choosing to praise God shifts the atmosphere and opens the door for His comfort and breakthrough. Praise goes before us, confounding the enemy and making a way where there seems to be none. [18:51]
- The Power of Persistent Faith
The Canaanite woman’s story teaches that some breakthroughs require more than eloquent prayers—they demand a persistent, even desperate, cry from the heart. God is not offended by our raw, honest cries; in fact, He honors the faith that refuses to be silenced by delay or disappointment. Sometimes, the silence of God is not rejection but a test, inviting us to press in deeper. [56:10]
- Humility Unlocks Miracles
When pride is set aside, and we approach God with humility—willing to accept even the crumbs—He can turn the smallest portion into abundance. The woman did not argue for her rights but acknowledged her need, and her humility became the channel for her miracle. True faith is not deterred by offense or exclusion but is willing to receive whatever God gives and make the most of it. [01:01:33]
- Honor Sustains Relationships and Blessings
What we honor remains; what we fail to honor departs. This principle applies to people, opportunities, and the presence of God. By honoring mothers, elders, and one another, we create a culture where love, wisdom, and blessing can flourish. Honor is not just a gesture but a spiritual practice that keeps our hearts open and our community strong. [48:49]
- God’s Love Never Lets Go
Just as a mother’s love is relentless and enduring, so is the love of God. No matter how far we run or how broken we feel, God’s love pursues us and refuses to let go. Even in our lowest moments, God is present, offering grace, restoration, and hope. The invitation is always open to receive His love and salvation, no matter where we are on our journey. [01:12:31]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[13:05] - Praise and Worship: God Steps Right In
[15:46] - Gratitude for Another Day
[18:51] - The Power of Praise in Hard Times
[20:25] - Praise as a Pathway Through Pain
[21:26] - God’s Comfort in Our Struggles
[22:07] - Declaration: We Are Going Up
[23:21] - Community Announcements and Celebrations
[30:44] - The Principle of Giving and Stewardship
[37:59] - Honoring All Mothers
[39:25] - Recognizing Different Types of Motherhood
[45:59] - Honoring Senior Mothers
[48:49] - The Principle of Honor
[51:09] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 15
[53:16] - She Never Let Go: Introduction
[54:52] - Pushing Through the Pain
[56:10] - The Power of Persistent Cry
[59:32] - Pressing Through Pride
[01:01:33] - Holding On to Faith
[01:08:58] - The Bread and the Blessing
[01:12:31] - God’s Relentless Love
[01:14:53] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:16:30] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:17:23] - Final Words and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “She Never Let Go”
---
### Bible Reading
Matthew 15:21-28 (NIV)
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
22 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.”
23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
---
### Observation Questions
1. What did the Canaanite woman do when Jesus did not answer her at first?
2. How did the woman respond when Jesus said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs”?
3. According to the sermon, what are some different types of mothers and motherly figures that were honored? ([39:25])
4. What was Jesus’ final response to the woman’s persistence, and what happened as a result?
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The woman’s first words were, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.” What does this reveal about her understanding of Jesus and her own need?
2. The sermon says, “Some breakthroughs don’t come from a pretty prayer. They come from a persistent moan.” What does this mean about the nature of faith and prayer? ([56:10])
3. When Jesus seems to ignore or even reject the woman, what might this teach us about how God sometimes responds to our prayers? ([56:10])
4. The sermon highlights that the woman did not let pride or offense stop her from seeking help. Why is humility so important in receiving from God? ([59:32])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Praise is a decision. You’ve got to make praise a decision. Because praise will get you out. Praise will get you through. And I promise you, praise will get you over.” When was the last time you chose to praise God even when you didn’t feel like it? What happened? ([18:51])
2. The Canaanite woman kept crying out, even when she was ignored and even insulted. Is there an area in your life where you have been tempted to give up praying or believing? What would it look like to “not let go” in that area this week? ([56:10])
3. The sermon says, “She didn’t come to argue. She came to access. She didn’t come needing approval, but she needed a miracle.” Are there places in your life where pride or fear of rejection has kept you from asking God or others for help? What step could you take to move past that? ([59:32])
4. The message says, “What you don’t honor will leave your life.” Who in your life do you need to honor more intentionally—maybe a parent, mentor, or friend? What is one specific way you can show honor this week? ([48:49])
5. The sermon reminds us that God’s love “won’t let go.” Have you ever felt like running from God or doubted His love for you? What helped you come back, or what could help you trust His love more today? ([01:12:31])
6. The woman was willing to accept “even the crumbs” from Jesus. Are there areas where you have overlooked small blessings because you were waiting for something bigger? How can you be more grateful for the “crumbs” God provides? ([01:01:33])
7. The sermon honored all kinds of mothers and mentors. Is there someone in your life who has shown you motherly love or care, even if they aren’t your biological mother? How can you thank or encourage them this week? ([39:25])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite someone to pray, thanking God for the relentless love shown through mothers and through God Himself, and asking for faith to hold on, honor others, and trust God’s love in every season.
Devotional
Day 1: Pushing Through the Pain
There are moments in life when the pain we feel for those we love is so deep that words fail us, and all we can do is cry out to God. The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 did not let her pain silence her; instead, she pressed through her anguish, refusing to give up even when Jesus seemed silent. Sometimes, God’s silence is not rejection but a test of our persistence and faith. In those still, quiet moments when answers seem far away, let your cries rise to God, knowing that He hears even the groanings of your heart. [56:10]
Matthew 15:21-23 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: When you are faced with a situation you cannot fix, how can you bring your pain honestly before God today, trusting Him even in His silence?
Day 2: Pressing Through Pride
When the Canaanite woman was told that the blessing was not for her, she could have turned away in offense or pride. Instead, she humbled herself, refusing to let pride keep her from seeking what her child needed. She did not argue or demand approval; she simply persisted, believing that even a crumb from Jesus was enough. Sometimes, the miracle you need is on the other side of humility—when you lay down your pride and press in with faith, God can turn even the smallest portion into abundance. [01:01:33]
Matthew 15:24-27 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where pride or offense is keeping you from seeking God’s help? What would it look like to lay that down and approach Him with humility today?
Day 3: Holding On to Faith
Despite being dismissed and degraded, the Canaanite woman held on to her faith, refusing to leave without a blessing. Jesus commended her for her great faith—a faith that did not flinch in the face of obstacles or discouragement. God does not always respond to the loudest voice, but He always honors the one who refuses to let go, who persists in faith until the answer comes. Even when all you have is a crumb, trust that God can turn it into a miracle. [01:02:59]
Matthew 15:28 (ESV)
Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to give up hope? How can you choose to hold on to faith and persist in prayer today?
Day 4: The Power of Persistent Love
A mother’s love is relentless, creative, and sacrificial—willing to challenge any barrier for the sake of her child. The story of the Canaanite woman reminds us that love will press through pain, pride, and even systems set up to keep us out. Just as a mother will not let go, God’s love for you is even more persistent and unyielding. No matter how far you run or how many mistakes you make, God’s love will not let go of you. [01:12:31]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God’s persistent love in your life? Who in your life needs to be reminded of that love through your actions today?
Day 5: Praise as a Garment for Heaviness
When life feels heavy and burdens threaten to overwhelm, the Bible encourages us to put on the garment of praise. Praise is not just an emotional release; it is a spiritual weapon that lifts us out of despair and ushers in God’s presence and comfort. Even when you don’t feel like it, choosing to praise God can shift your perspective and bring breakthrough. Let praise be your decision today, trusting that God will meet you in your heaviness and carry you through. [20:25]
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Reflection: What is weighing on your heart today? Take a moment to praise God in the midst of it, and notice how your spirit begins to lift.
Quotes
Sometimes God's silence isn't a sign of rejection? It's the sound of a test. He didn't answer her a word, not a yes, not a no, just stillness. My dear brothers and sisters, sometimes it's hard for us to sit in the stillness. It's in the stillness when you're trying to make out what you can't even imagine because it's so still around you that you are just helpless. [00:56:41] (32 seconds)
She knew how to make a meal out of crumbs. She knew how to turn wicked to worship and struggle into survival. And some of us are standing because mama never let go. Mama never let go. She never let go. [01:01:50] (18 seconds)
She said, you don't have to give me anything. Just give me. Give me what's left over. She said, you ain't got to give me what's over there on the table. Just give me what's been dropping off. She said, give me what's left over, and I'll turn it into a healing. [01:01:19] (18 seconds)
You can run. Come here, Jonah. You can run to a place that you should not be in, but God's love won't let go. If God's got to be creative and get a fish, get somebody you never heard, somebody in another country to speak to you, to wake you up. God won't let go. [01:14:10] (20 seconds)
He even took the most horrific whooping on his back. Now, I know some of us that have some beatings, but we ain't had no beating like Jesus had. But literally, the skin was ripping out, exposing his natural bones. His love is so endless that even in the excruciating pain of having a collapsed lung, he'll still call out to his mama, that he'll still call out to his father, that he'll still call out to a thief next to him. That's the kind of love God has. That even when you think what you think is the best thing, he'll show you, I still be there with you. And I love you like no one else. [01:14:57] (44 seconds)
It's interesting that God gives us all we need But wants to know how we were stewarded Mmm, come here I think I better share a little bit more God will give you absolutely everything you need But then will go back and ask you to do certain things Mmm, because he wants to know Will you really trust me with what I've given you? [00:31:08] (20 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 12, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?