True seekers who haven't yet received the blessing can find comfort in this story. The Savior didn't immediately grant the blessing, even though the woman had great faith. He intended to give it, but He waited. "He answered her not a word." Were her prayers not good? They were excellent. Wasn't her situation desperate? Deeply so. Did she not feel her need enough? She felt it intensely. Was she not earnest? She was. Did she lack faith?

She had so much faith that Jesus marveled, saying, "O woman, great is your faith." Faith often brings peace, but not always right away. There may be reasons for faith to be tested, rather than rewarded immediately. Genuine faith may be like a seed yet to bloom into joy and peace. A painful silence from the Savior is a hard trial for many, but even tougher is a harsh response like, "It isn't right to take the children's bread and throw it to dogs." Some find immediate delight when they turn to the Lord, but not everyone does.

Some, like the jailer, are transformed from darkness to light in an instant, but others grow more slowly. You might receive a deeper awareness of sin instead of pardon, and in such times, you'll need patience to endure. Oh, dear heart, even if Christ wounds or seems to lash out at you, trust Him. If He speaks sharply, still believe in His love. Don't give up seeking or trusting Him just because you haven't yet found the joy you long for. Depend on Him and persevere, even when you can't feel hope.