A great lesson on virtues of faith is taught us by one who was outside of faith, the Syro-Phoenician Woman.
The odds were stacked against her. She was making a plea for help, but she got no attention for her cry for help. The Lord did not answer her at first. Secondly, the disciples could not stand her, they asked the Lord to send her away. Finally, the Lord told her He was not sent to her (for she is outside the commonwealth of Israel) and therefore it was not right to give her what belongs to the children.
This is an unpalatable word for one who is crying for help, crying to be understood for her plight. However, the woman excised herself in humility, she came and worshipped the Lord saying “help me”. Her humility taught her wisdom. She said to the Lord, yes it is not good to give the children’s bread to dogs, but the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Her wisdom demonstrated her faith for the Lord said, “O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto you as you willed”.
The woman demonstrated endurance and the bible says in Luke 21:19 “In your endurance possess ye your souls”. She also demonstrated humility, and by humility she gained wisdom. The bible also said in Psalm 25: 9 “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way”.
What a lesson for us from this great woman. She was an outsider, she was not tolerated at first, and she had no antecedent for her demand, but her endurance and humility broke through for her.
In our walk of faith where there is no clear evidence for what we are seeking, let our endurance and humility and worship of God stand out, not our boast or offence or impatience. Faith has virtues, and endurance, humility and continual worship of God are amongst these virtues.
