(May 10, 2009)

We've been focusing on many Biblical heroes each week. This week, we take a look at a true Wonder Woman, but we don't even know her name. Jesus summed up her life in only four words: ...You have great faith! (Matthew 15:28) Wouldn't you want that on your tombstone? What a worthy statement of someone! Just like this woman, our mothers are like nameless heroes. Moms are the do-all, end-all, be-all! It's a full-time job.

According to a study, if mothers would be paid for the work they do at home each week, they should earn a $985 salary every Pay Day. Mothers have always had major pressure, even back in Eve's day.

The unnamed hero of the Bible gives us a lot to learn. We can apply some her action principles to our lives as well:

1. She had a difficult path. She had all kinds of obstacles in her way. She was a female, she was a gentile, and she was a Canaanite. She also had to endure the disciples telling her she was crazy. Yet, she was able to overcome these challenges. She truly saw that her obstacles were her opportunities so she could be an overcomer. Scientifically, we know that there is no forward progress without friction. We should all EXPECT challenges and then act to knock them down!

2. She had the right priorities. She put her family first even though it cost her something. She was willing to do anything to set her child free. She knew that it wasn't all about her. She sought Jesus no matter what! Many mothers today face resistance to get their kids to church and sometimes it comes from their own family or even their own husband. But, those mothers who do it anyway have their priorities in the right place since they want their children exposed to the miracles of God rather than the cynicism of their family.

3. She had great perseverance. She could not be intimidated. She wasn't afraid of the silence of Jesus. When we pray and Jesus is silent when we're done, do we wait and listen or do we quit praying? How well do we react to the silence of Jesus? I prayed for that family member and God didn't answer me! You must continue on and pursue Him; that's what faith is all about! When you feel like your prayers are bouncing off of the ceiling, you need to have the faith to keep on keeping on. The unnamed woman even had to endure Jesus question who she was...but she continued after Him and He blessed her! Hallellujiah!

4. She had great passion. Desperation will lead us to passion. Passion will lead you to overcoming obstacles. She latched onto Jesus and didn't let go. Despite all of the cards being stacked against her, she still looked up and not away.

The enemy wants to mess with you, but God wants you to persevere! Activate the Gift of Faith in your life!

- Jon Bruney