A WORD FOR TODAY 3 AUGUST 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*PUSH HARDER WITH YOUR FAITH AND MIRACLE WILL HAPPEN*

_"She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire. And her daughter was healed instantly."(Matthew 15:27-28)_

_*When we watch sports and see how athletes push their body to be able to beat a particular time or record, and sometimes when you watch two teams take their game to extra-time, you could see that the effort put in by a particular athlete or team pays off to make them the winner at the end of the competition. We see this in the commonwealth games, olympics, world championship, in football, rugby, tennis, basketball, swimming, long and high jump e.t.c*_

_There is something called a *"winning mentality"* which could be applied in any field of life and endeavour, spiritual or physical. It goes with pushing harder, perseverance, discipline, resoluteness, focus and determination. Anyone that has this kind of mindset will always come out a winner, because no matter how many times they fail or experience rejection in the course of reaching their goal, they will always persist until they push through the barrier or obstacle and win their battle._

_*The Canaanite woman in the gospel reading of today is a clear representation of an athlete who refused to accept that she can never make it. She refused to take 'no' for an answer. She knew what she wanted for her daughter and she knew that Jesus can give it to her, therefore, she stuck with Him until He answered her.*_

_In spiritual matters, our faith is very vital in the miracles we shall experience. Infact, if you have faith, nothing will be impossible for you to receive. Your faith is the catalyst that propels your miracle to reach you._

_*Jesus gave the woman reasons why she could not receive healing for her daughter, but she knelt down in humility and simply said Jesus, "have mercy on me, O Lord and help me". She believed without doubt that Jesus could heal her daughter and it happened for her as she believed.*_

_How far can you push with your faith in prayers. Jesus told us to ask in Matthew 7:7 and we shall receive, however, if you seek without faith, it will be like going to harvest fruits without a basket to put them. You must grow your faith to the point where you see Jesus as your only hope and when you get to Him you will not desire to try anyother person or power, even when what you have prayed for is yet to reach you. You remain calm until He shows you his face at His own time and in His own way._

_*I don't know how long you have prayed for that thing you seek, job, child, marriage, financial breakthrough in work and business, healing, admission, visa, scholarship, appointment and so on. I don't know how many times you have failed or obstacles you have encountered, just learn from this woman in the gospel and refuse to give up or leave God's presence. Worry Him with your cry and let your faith remain hot and fervent and do not leave Jesus until He has done for you what He did for this woman. If your faith is firm and great, then your miracle shall speedily reach you. Push harder with your faith and you will push through to your miracle.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May your faith grow and may Jesus answer you when you call upon Him. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Jeremiah 31:1-7/Psalm 31:10-13/Matthew 15:21-28

*Watch-Word:* The Lord will keep us as a shepherd keeps his flock.

*Grow your faith in Christ and you will always receive when you call upon His name in prayer.*

(Wednesday of the eighteenth week in the ordinary time. Year II)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*