Let’s Clear Up This Misunderstanding

Sometimes, joy seems distant because of a misunderstanding. You’ve likely experienced this before: looking back, you often realize, “Oh, that’s not what it meant at all!” Today, I want to talk about a big misunderstanding: the idea that Jesus is ignoring you. Let’s clear up why that’s not the case.

How would you react if Jesus’ disciples told you, “Sorry, Jesus isn’t aware of your request right now?” Ouch.

I find the story where a woman begs Jesus to help her sick daughter, and it says, “But Jesus did not answer her,” so, so intense, friend!

Let me quickly tell the story so we understand:

“The woman pleaded with Him, ‘Lord, have mercy on me! My daughter is terribly tormented by a demon.’ BUT JESUS DID NOT ANSWER HER. His disciples urged Him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’ He then said to her, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’” (from Matthew 15:21-24 NIV) 

friend, we can hear this story and think, “How mean!” But this story is full of love! Because when Jesus was human, He couldn’t be in two places at once. And He chose what was most important. Do you know what’s REALLY IMPORTANT, friend?

What’s truly important isn’t healing, but sanctification.

Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24 NIV). And the woman said, “Help me; my daughter is sick.”

He chose sanctification over healing. This is hard for us to understand, but from the perspective of eternity, it makes perfect sense: Jesus cared more about leading people back to faith. He was more concerned with restoring their faith than their physical healing.

Good News: Jesus is no longer limited by His human form and can be everywhere now. So, you can ask Him to heal your heart, body, and soul! And even in the woman’s case, it worked out well because Jesus healed her daughter, moved by her great faith. (See Matthew 15:28 NIV) 

But this story is a beautiful and important reminder of what’s TRULY IMPORTANT: a healthy faith—your sanctification.

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 ESV) 

It’s an intriguing thought. Let it resonate with you today.

You are a miracle!