06.21.2023 Faith of a Foreigner - Focus

 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.”

Focus is a quality that we do not see very often anymore. We live in a world filled with distractions. Calls, texts, emails, television, opinions, politics all keep our minds jumping from one thing to the next. The result is that we struggle to focus on what is truly important. The Canaanite woman keeps her focus on Jesus. When the disciples send her away she ignores them. When Jesus dismisses her she pleads all the more. She knows that the mercy she needs for her daughter comes only from him. She will follow him anywhere and risk any humiliation because Jesus alone has what she needs. Focus on Jesus today in the midst of all the distractions that will come. Turn to him to meet your needs and don’t let anyone or anything turn you aside.

Lord Jesus, you know my needs and you hear my plea. I will stay focused on you. Answer me according to your mercy. Amen.

You cannot conceive, nor can I, of the appalling strangeness of the mercy of God. ― Graham Greene

A great work is made out of a combination of obedience and liberty. — Nadia Boulanger