faith......

"Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."  And her daughter was healed at that moment."  (Matthew 15:28  NLT)

Have you ever tried to explain faith?  Looked up the definition?  Looked for it on Mr. Google?  I did check Mr. Google -- 1st definition: "complete trust or confidence."  The 2nd definition: "strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion."  Scripture tells us "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."  (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)  Or... I found this quote from Mahatma Gandhi - " Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into."

The Scripture readings today are about faith.  Joseph is pointing out, to his brothers, who he is and how "God did send me before you to preserve life."  (Genesis 45:5)  Romans is talking about how our "unbelief" becomes "belief" "that he might have mercy upon all."  (Romans 11:32)  And Jesus is talking to a woman about how he, Jesus, has come for the "house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24) but the woman keeps calling and answering "the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the masters' table."  (15:27) Which is when Jesus tells her "Woman, you have great faith!" 

So, yes, there is "great faith" but it has taken time.  It hasn't happened as fast as we would like.  We do live in a "microwave," get it "NOW" world.  At the same time, like last week, if we want to walk on water we have to get out of the boat!  We also need to keep learning, growing and strengthening our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Something to think about.....