Are His Scraps Enough?

My body was failing me. In just 5 weeks, I had battled multiple viruses and bacterial infections, I had daily pain and discomfort, and I was drastically losing weight. The doctors still had no answers. I had missed out on class trips with my children and holidays with my family because I was too sick, too weak, or running a fever…again. And it was finally beginning to take its toll mentally. My prayers began to shift from, “Lord, I know that you are healer, that you have a plan, and that you are with me through all my circumstances,” to, “Lord, I am not sure why this is happening. Please give me energy back so I can do good work for you.”

My prayers almost began to beg for blessings that I believed I deserved because of all the “good things” I did for the Lord. A Canaanite woman had a very different interaction with Jesus. Matthew 15:22 tells us that she approached Jesus because her daughter, who was demon-possessed, needed healing. She, a traditional enemy of the Jewish people, came crying out to Jesus for help. Matthew tells us that she was crying out so much in fact that Jesus’ disciples begged Him to dismiss her because she was making a scene. 

The encounter that follows has always made me a bit uncomfortable to read: “[Jesus] answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (Matt. 15:24-27)

Jesus’ words seem harsh; however, we know that He came for all who would believe in Him, not only Israel. Jesus seemed to be testing this Canaanite woman’s faith. And her response is beautiful, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matt. 15:27).

She showed a deep knowledge of two things. First, that Jesus was Lord. She called Him, “Master.” She recognized He was more than just a great prophet or a good man. She had faith in Him as Lord. Second, she realized that simply being able to glean from the scraps He left behind was enough. And for those scraps, we should be so thankful. 

Anything Jesus chooses to give to us is enough because knowing Jesus is enough. On the mountaintop, we can easily lean toward pride and self-preservation. In the deep valleys, we can lean in the opposite direction toward pity and doubt. But Jesus is enough. He is with us both on the mountain and in the valleys. He has a plan that He is working out for our good and His glory both when we are on the mountain and in the valley. Knowing Him is enough, and knowing His Word helps us remember that truth.
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When we are in the valleys, let us remember:

• In our weakness, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:9)
• Nothing can ever separate His love from us (Rom. 8:38-39)
• He is our strength when we have none (1 Chron. 16:11)
• We can rejoice in our hope in Jesus and be patient through our time here in earth, and we can always come to Him in prayer (Rom. 12:12)

The woman’s faith was rewarded with the healing of her daughter (Matt. 15:28). I may or may not find complete healing. Paul did not. He had a thorn in the flesh that he lived with until the very end (2 Cor. 12:7). Regardless, I know the God of the universe who created me, chose me, knows me, and is always with me. For that, I can give thanks continually. When you find yourself in a valley or facing the unknown, cry out to the Lord; continue seeking Him through the Scripture, and ask for His scraps. He is faithful to those who draw near to Him!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

About the Author

​I am married to a wonderful husband and we have one biological daughter named Elizabeth. We often have more children in our home as foster parents. I spend my time writing curriculum, coaching staff, and developing programming for an urban youth ministry in my hometown of Knoxville, TN. Our family loves to travel, go on hikes, and brunch is our absolute favorite meal!