"And so, I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you" LUKE 11:9 NLT

"Sissy, I know what college you should go to," my dad began as fifth grade me lounged on the couch, solving the puzzle in the newest edition of High-lights magazine I had just received in the mail. Distracted, I responded with a simple "Oh yeah?"

My dad would go on to tell me that the university he had visited that morning on his daily delivery route for his job had struck him speechless as he witnessed the Christ-like attitude of the students, the beauty of the campus and the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. He told me that as soon as he stepped onto the campus, he knew that it was the place for me and he prayed that morning that each of his children would be able to attend, when it came time. That place was Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, one of the most prestigious Christian colleges in America. For my dad to even suggest that this would be the school for me was out of character and out of budget; however, we know a big God who loves to do the impossible!

As I think back on this experience, I feel somewhat of a kinship with the "Syrophoenician Woman." I can only imagine the faith she had to be strong enough to go straight to the Messiah, asking Him for a miracle for her child. Had she been a Jewish woman, she would have been considered bold to come to the feet of the Master and give such a request, but the fact that she was a Gentile made the entire ordeal that much more significant. She was an outsider with no legitimate access.

Deadlines for applications came and went. Soon I received a letter in the mail that boasted my acceptance! This alone was a major blessing not taken lightly. My family and I held hands and thanked God for His continued faithfulness. As over-joyed as we were about the acceptance letter, there remained a twinge of worry in the back of my mind regarding the bill that would surely come with my admission. Despite concerns, it was by no means a surprise when God came through in a way that only He could. I received a full-tuition scholarship that I did not apply for! God came through for us in a situation where, had He not intervened, we would not have been able to entertain thoughts of me attending.

It is the same way God came through for the Syrophoenician mother who came to Jesus appealing for the healing of her daughter. Through prayer and persistence Jesus saw her great faith and told her that her request had been granted! Matthew 15:28b (NLT) is my favorite part of this story, “her daughter was instantly healed!” It is when I read the last few verses of this story that I can almost tangibly feel the joy of this mother and the relief at having her prayers answered! God instantly transformed her from an “outsider” to an “accessor!”

If you would like to be able to do a complete study of Session Three order a copy of HER STORY: Redeemed by contacting Empowered Women's Ministry at empoweredwomen@pcg.org or 817.554.5900 ext. 371. Available also at pcg.org/resources or Amazon.