When God is silent

Sometimes, God can seem to be deaf or ignoring us. The Bible records such a story in Matthew’s gospel. It is the story of a distraught mother seeking help for her suffering child. At first, Jesus appears to ignore her. Next, after protests by his followers that she is becoming a nuisance he seems to reject her, saying he has only come to his own people. (She is from another racial background). Then he appears to insult her by saying, “It’s not right to take the children’s bread and give it to their dogs”. But she refuses to give up, arguing that even the household dogs get the crumbs from under the table. Finally, he rewards her faith and grants her request. Her daughter is completely healed and set free. (See Matthew 15:21-28)

Jesus’ treatment of this woman is unexpected. It doesn’t fit the mould of how we expect him to act. But it can help us to understand what is happening when God is silent in our lives. In Jewish culture at the time it was assumed that God was only interested in their race of people. Jesus tested this woman’s sincerity and the opened a door of opportunity. When he spoke about “dogs” he was referring to beloved household pets. He turned a negative word used by his countrymen to describe other nationalities into a positive one. The implication was that she was part of the family not an outsider. She seized the moment and connected more deeply with Jesus claiming her right to be heard by him. He commended her faith and granted he prayer.

Have you become discouraged in seeking God or his help? Do you feel excluded because you aren’t “religious enough”. Think again. Jesus Christ is waiting to welcome and support those who really seek after him.